Enhanced acetone sensing properties based on in situ growth SnO2 nanotube arrays

Abstract

Large-scale and well-aligned in situ growth SnO2 nanotube (NT) arrays have been synthesized directly on the surface of the Al2O3 ceramic tube by a cost-effective template self-etching method. The morphology of in situ SnO2 NTs can be adjusted by changing the concentration of urea. The structure and morphology characteristics of SnO2 NT were examined via x-ray diffraction, BET, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. A series of detections were carried out to evaluate the gas sensing performances. The results indicated that in situ growth SnO2 NT arrays sensor exhibited an excellent response (S = 20.3), good linearity under the concentration range of ppm level (5–300 ppm), and outstanding selectivity to 100 ppm of acetone gas. Compared with the sensors fabricated by a slurry-coating method, the controllable in situ assembled SnO2 NT arrays exhibited a more stable structure and easier fabrication process. The high acetone sensing performance might due to the unique hollow structure and favorable orientation growth. The dominant sensing mechanism about the in situ growth SnO2 NT arrays sensor has been discussed in detail. It is expected that in situ growth SnO2 NT arrays sensor with the general working principle and controllable growth strategy will become a promising functional material in monitoring and detecting acetone.