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• Gas sensor was prepared using 1.5 × 1 mm plane electrodes. • Light illumination improved the sensor's response to gases. • The response of the SmFeO 3 sensor under light to 30 ppm acetone was 29.228. • The SmFeO 3 sensor has a low working temperature of 120 °C. In this study, we prepared SmFeO 3 nanopowders by the sol–gel method. The planar electrode sensor (1.5 × 1 mm) based on SmFeO 3 nanopowder is responsive to methanol, ethanol, acetone, and other gases. Different wavelengths (470 nm, 420 nm, and 370 nm) of light illumination affect the sensor's response to gas. The response under light illumination (370 nm, 98 mW) at 120 °C to 30 ppm methanol, ethanol, and acetone were 26.41, 23.804, and 29.228, which were 2.0, 1.4, and 1.4 times higher than those in the dark, respectively. The planar electrode sensor can reduce optimum working temperature and reduce energy consumption, so it has great potential for application in real life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]