Porous In₂O₃ Microcubes Decoratedwith SnO₂ Nanoparticles for Enhanced Room Temperature Detectionof SF₆ Gas Decomposition Products

Due to its superior dielectric properties and ability to prevent electrical arcing, sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) is widely employed in high-voltage electrical systems, including gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). Detecting SF₆ decomposition products is critical for monitoring and addressing issues related to partial discharge activities in GIS equipment. Despite the growing demand, developing cost-effective and energy-efficient sensors for SF₆ decomposition detection remains a challenge. In this study, we synthesized nanocomposites consisting of porous indium­(III) oxide (In₂O₃) microcubes decorated with Tin­(IV) oxide (SnO₂) nanoparticles (SnO₂–In₂O₃) using a simple hydrothermal technique. Gas sensors based on SnO₂–In₂O₃ nanocomposites demonstrated excellent performance in detecting SF₆ decomposition products at room temperature. The SnO₂ decoration on the surface of the porous In₂O₃ microcubes significantly enhanced the sensing response to 20 ppm of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), achieving a high response value of 33 at room temperature (25 °C), which is 6.9 times that of pure In₂O₃ sensors. This innovative approach utilizing nanocomposite microcube-based materials offers significant promise for advancing the design of efficient gas sensors for SF₆ decomposition detection.