Synthesis of Ce-doped SnO2 nanoparticles and their acetone gas sensing properties

Abstract

Hydrothermal method was generally used to synthesis nanoparticles, which was used to fabricate pure and Ce-doped (3wt%, 5wt%, 7wt%) SnO2 nanoparticles in this experiment. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). The results clearly indicated that the nanoparticles were composed of SnO2 nanoparticles and Ce ions were successfully doped into the SnO2 lattice, and 5wt% SnO2:Ce has a higher specific surface area (173.53m2/g). Importantly, SnO2:Ce sensor had obviously improved performance compared to pure SnO2 and exhibited the highest response values (50.5 for 50ppm) and a well selectivity to acetone at 270°C. It could detect acetone gas in a wide concentration range with very high response, good long-term stability and repeatability of response. The possible sensing mechanism was discussed in this paper.