Hydrothermal synthesis and gas sensing properties of variety low dimensional nanostructures of SnO2

New morphologies often play an important role in deciding the properties of nanomaterials. In current study, we synthesize various types of low dimensional SnO2 nanostructure materials using a simple hydrothermal process. We find that the SnO2 nanorods, nanowires and nanosheets show higher gas response as well as lower operating temperature as compared to that of nanospheres. In addition, the obtained nanosheets SnO2 are found to show best sensing performances owing to the largest surface area and porous structure providing many quick passages to absorb and desorb gas, suggesting that the gas sensing properties of nanocrystals can be significantly improved by tailoring the shape and morphology of nanocrystals. Such an unexpected morphology holds substantial promise for rendering low dimensional nano-SnO2 as a potential gas sensing material for future sensor application.

In this work, we prepare variety low dimensional nanostructure of SnO2 through a simple hydrothermal process, and report systematically their gas sensing functionality.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► SnO2 nanosheets exhibit best sensing performance toward ethanol.
► Property improvement is independent of operating temperature and gas concentration.
► Enhanced key gas sensing property meet basic needs for practical applications.
► Sensing properties of nanocrystals can be improved by tailoring their shape and structure.