Gas sensing properties of SnO2 nanowires on micro-heater

The SnO2 nanowires (NWs) network gas sensors were fabricated on a micro-electrode and heater suspended in a cavity. The sensors showed selective detection to C2H5OH at a heater power during sensor operation as low as 30-40 mW. The gas response and response speed of the SnO2 NWs sensor to 100 ppm C2H5OH were 4.6- and 4.7-fold greater, respectively, than those of the SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) sensor with the same electrode geometry. The reasons for these enhanced gas sensing characteristics are discussed in relation to the sensing materials and sensor structures. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.