Highly sensitive gas sensors are realized from In2O3 mixed alpha-Fe2O3 nanorods. At 200 degrees C, the sensitivity of the sensors upon exposure to 200 ppm ethanol is 31.3, and the sensors exhibit linear dependence of the sensitivity on the ethanol concentration at 100 degrees C and 200 degrees C. In contrast, nonlinear gas sensing characteristics are observed at 300 degrees C and 400 degrees C. The relationship between sensitivity and ethanol concentration is discussed by using the conduction model, and the experimental data are in good agreement with the obtained equations. Our results imply that In2O3 mixed alpha-Fe2O3 nanorods are good candidates for nano-scale gas sensors and the relationship between sensitivity and ethanol concentration is significantly influenced by temperatures. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.