Synthesis, characterization, and gas-sensing properties of monodispersed SnO2 nanocubes

Monodispersed single-crystalline SnO2 nanocubes with exposed a large percentage of high-energy surfaces have been synthesized by a simple solvothermal process at low temperature without any templates and catalysts. The as-prepared samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Many outstanding characters of the final products have been shown, such as uniform particle size, high purity, and monodispersity. In property, superior gas-sensing properties such as high response, rapid response-recovery time, and good selectivity have also been shown to ethanol at an optimal working temperature of as low as 280 degrees C. It indicates that the as-prepared SnO2 nanocubes are promising for gas sensors. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.