The SnO2-Pd-Pt-In2O3 composite was prepared from a mixture of SnO2, Pd, Pt and In2O3 with a weight ratio of 100:0.8:2:30 (The weight ratio was proved to be the most promising for the sens- ing properties of methanol in our incipient experiments). Then, the right amount of distilled water was added to the mixture and ground for further 1 h. After that, the as-prepared powders were dried at room temperature.