Schottky barrier and catalytic effect induced high gas sensing of one-step synthesized Pd–SnO2 nanorods

Uniformly loaded Pd–SnO2 nanorods are synthesized via a simple one-step hydrothermal route. The gas sensors fabricated from Pd–SnO2 nanorods exhibit high sensitivity and fast response. The sensor response at 300 °C is up to 9.9, 36.8, 55.6, 89.1 and 168.2 upon exposure to 100, 200, 300, 500 and 1000 ppm ethanol, respectively. And the work temperature can be lowered down to 200 °C. Such behaviors can be attributed to Schottky barrier at Pd/SnO2 interface and catalytic effect of Pd nanoparticles. Our results open a way for uniform modification of SnO2 nanorods with Pd nanoparticles and enhancing their gas sensing performance.

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