Synthesis of Zn2SnO4 nanoplate-built hierarchical cube-like structures with enhanced gas-sensing property

Zinc stannate (Zn2SnO4) cube-like hierarchical structures assembled by nanoplate arrays have been successfully synthesized by a facile solvothermal method in the presence of tetraethylammonium hydroxide. The formation mechanism and effects of surfactants and reaction temperature on the products were investigated. In addition, studies of the gas-sensing property demonstrated that the as-synthesized Zn2SnO4 with hierarchical structures exhibited better gas-sensing property than that of normal Zn2SnO4 nanopartilces.

► Zn2SnO4 hierarchical cube-like structure has been synthesized solvothermally.
► ZnSn(OH)6 microcube directed the formation of Zn2SnO4 hierarchical structure.
► The as-prepared Zn2SnO4 exhibits structure-enhanced gas-sensing property.