Bimetallic MOF-derived porous In2O3/Bi2O3 hollow nanotubes rapidly and sensitively detect n-propanol

Lung cancer poses a severe threat to human life and health due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. As a unique biomarker in exhaled breath of lung cancer patients, quantitative detection of n-propanol concentration using semiconductor sensors offers a non-invasive, convenient, and rapid alternative to invasive diagnostic methods like tissue biopsy. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) possess designable framework structures and excellent catalytic performance, demonstrating significant potential in the field of gas sensing. Herein, we developed a ppb-level n-propanol sensor based on bimetallic MOF-derived hollow In 2 O 3 /Bi 2 O 3 heterojunctions synthesized through a thermal solvent method using MOF as sacrificial templates. The results demonstrate that the In 2 O 3 /Bi 2 O 3 -2 sensor exhibits an ultralow detection limit with a high response value of 1.68–50 ppb n-propanol. Moreover, at 147 °C, it shows rapid response/recovery times (1 s/137 s) and an enhanced response value of 174–100 ppm n-propanol, representing 4.14-fold improvement over pure In 2 O 3 sensors. The sensor also demonstrates exceptional selectivity, reproducibility, and long-term stability. The remarkable gas-sensing enhancement originates from the unique porous hollow structure and interfacial p-n heterojunction formation. This study presents a promising candidate material for ppb-level n-propanol detection.