Hierarchically structure SnO₂/ZnO nanocomposites: Preparation, growth mechanism and gas sensing property

SnO₂/ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized from mixed ethanol and water systems and the ethanol-sensing properties of sensors based on SnO₂/ZnO were investigated. The structure and morphology of the products was characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The results showed that the diameter of the liked pine needle SnO₂ was about 40 nm with a length about 300 nm, which are uniformly dispersed on the surface of the ZnO nanosheets. The growth process of the SnO₂/ZnO nanocomposite was discussed. The results of gas sensing properties of SnO₂/ZnO nanocomposite sensor showed high and quick response to ethanol vapor at 5.0 v. This sensor showed the advantages of high selectivity, strong stability, and prompt response/recovery characteristics in detecting ethanol vapor at 5.0 v.