Pressure-induced order-disorder transitions in β-In2S3: an experimental and theoretical study of structural and vibrational properties

Isopropanol sensor based on sprayed In2S3 thin film using linear discriminant analysis for real-time selectivity

Metal sulfides have been studied for their high performance as new sensitive materials for gas detection. These material innovations contribute significantly to the development of more sensitive, stable and specific conductivity sensors, opening the way to new applications in detecting gases at low concentrations. Hence, this work reports on the sensing performance of In2S3 for isopropanol detection. Numerous VOCs, such as ketones, alcohols, and aldehydes, serve as cancer biomarkers. Notably, isopropanol, as a biomarker, shows a substantial increase (20-1007 ppb) in lung cancer patients, suggesting its potential as an early diagnostic criterion. To explore this, we fabricated a thin film of In2S3 onto a platinum interdigitated silicon dioxide substrate by simple and low-cost spray pyrolysis technology. Structural and morphological analyses via XRD, MEB, AFM, and TEM were conducted on the prepared samples. Isopropanol vapor response was assessed within a controlled temperature range of 250 °C-450 °C. The In2S3-based sensor demonstrated notable sensitivity (0.034 ppm-1), maintained stability over three weeks, and reliably detected isopropanol activation. In2S3 emerges as a promising candidate for detecting isopropanol, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 162 ppb. In this work, seven VOCs, including isopropanol, ethanol, methanol, butan-1-ol, formaldehyde, toluene, and acetone, were evaluated. Cross-responses among these VOCs were observed, indicating a lack of assured sensor selectivity. However, isopropanol recognition was achieved by employing linear discriminant analysis (LDA) on pertinent features derived from transient current change measurements. As a result, the sensor's sensitivity enables the deduction of the isopropanol concentration.

Pressure-induced disorder and nanosizing inhibits superconductivity in In2Te3

The generation of disorder often gives rise to profound and irreversible physical phenomena. Here, we explore the influence of disorder on the superconducting properties of In2Te3through comprehensive high-pressure investigations. Building upon previous findings, we investigated the progressive suppression of superconductivity in In2Te3during the depressurization process: the increased disorder that ultimately leads to the complete disappearance of the superconducting state. Simultaneously, our high-pressure x-ray diffraction analysis reveals an irreversible structural phase transition. Furthermore, microstructure analysis using transmission electron microscopy clearly demonstrates both grain refinement and a substantial enhancement of disorder. These findings not only provide valuable insights into the mechanism by which disorder suppresses superconductivity, but also offer guidance for future advancements in the fabrication of atmospheric-pressure superconductors.