Alcohol sensing properties of SnO2/CNT nanocomposites synthesized by microwave-assisted process

Abstract

SnO2/CNT nanocomposites were synthesized via microwave-assisted process using SnCl4·;5H2O as a starting precursor and UV-treated multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as scaffolds. The concentration of SnCl4 was varied in the range of 0.01-0.05 M. Effect of precursor concentration on their physical properties and micro structural morphology were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). XRD results indicate that the assynthesized composites are the mixture of two separated phases including SnO2 and MWCNT. SEM images indicate that the surfaces of MWCNT are thoroughly covered with SnO2 nanoparticles. Comparative gas sensing result reveals that the prepared hybrid SnO2/MWCNT composites exhibit much higher sensing sensitivity and recovery property in detecting alcohol gas at room temperature than the bare SnO2.