Parts per billion-level detection of benzene using SnO2/graphene nanocomposite composed of sub-6 nm SnO2 nanoparticles

In the present work, the SnO2/graphene nanocomposite composed of 4–5 nm SnO2 nanoparticles was synthesized using a simple wet chemical method for ppb-level detection of benzene. The formation mechanism of the nanocomposite was investigated systematically by means of simultaneous thermogravimetry analysis, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy cooperated with transmission electron microscopy observations. The SnO2/graphene nanocomposite showed a very attractive improved sensitivity to toxic volatile organic compounds, especially to benzene, compared to a traditional SnO2. The responses of the nanocomposite to benzene were a little higher than those to ethanol and the detection limit reached 5 ppb to benzene which is, to our best knowledge, far lower than those reported previously.

SnO2/graphene nanocomposite composed of 4–5 nm SnO2 nanoparticles was synthesized by one-step wet chemical method and the form mechanism of the nanocomposite is clearly interpreted. The detection limit of the nanocomposite was as low as 5 ppb to toxic benzene.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► We synthesized SnO2/graphene nanocomposite using a simple one-step wet chemical method.
► The nanocomposite composed of 4–5 nm SnO2 nanoparticles.
► Toxic benzene was detected by such kind of nanocomposite.
► The detection limit to toxic benzene was as low as 5 ppb.