SnO2 Nanomaterials Research Articles

Optimisation of photo-fermentative biohydrogen production from corn stover through the synergetic effect of ultrafine grinding and SnO2 nanomaterials

The synergetic effect of ultrafine grinding coupled with the incorporation of an appropriate amount of nanomaterials (NMs) on biohydrogen (bioH2) production from corn stover (CS) was studied. The changes in the physicochemical and optical characteristics of CS pretreated with various ultrafine grinding times were comprehensively studied. High-quality SnO2 NMs with high defect concentrations (e.g., oxygen vacancies (OVs)) were successfully synthesised. The physio-optical structures of pretreated CS and synthesised NMs were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. SEM measurements confirmed that the morphology of the CS changed with the increase in grinding time and the particle size was reduced to the submicron range with increased surface roughness. The biomass particle size changed considerably from micron to submicron with an increase in grinding time. The intensities of the diffracted peak 22° decreased and the full width at half maximum increased with the increase in grinding time, which confirmed the considerable modification of biomass crystalline structure. The SEM analysis revealed that the synthesised SnO2 NMs were spherical in nature with a uniform size distribution. XRD analysis confirmed that the synthesised NMs had a stable rutile structure without any secondary phases. Hydrogen production tests were performed by utilising a mixed consortium of photosynthetic bacteria HAU-M1 as the inoculum. Hydrogen production rates of 120, 123, and 145 mL/h were observed for samples pretreated with 2, 4, and 6 h of ultrafine grinding, respectively. Owing to the synergetic effect of ultrafine grinding and nanomaterial loading, the hydrogen production rate increased considerably to 143, 144, and 163 mL/h after 2, 4, and 6 h of ultrafine grinding and nanomaterial loadings of 200, 150, and 150 mg/L, respectively. The highest cumulative bioH2 production of 425 mL was recorded after ultrafine grinding for 6 h and nanomaterial loading of 150 mg/L, 49% higher than that achieved with the standard sample (285 mL). Furthermore, the synergetic effect reduced not only the lag time (from 36 to 24 h) but also the amount of SnO2 NMs loading required to achieve the highest hydrogen production rate (150 mg/L) as compared with the standard sample (200 mg/L). Our results highlight that an appropriate combination of pretreatments can present a potential roadmap to enhance bioH2 production from lignocellulosic biomass, which can be a prospective sustainable energy supply.

UV enhanced NO2 gas sensing at room temperature based on coral-like tin diselenide/MOFs-derived nanoflower-like tin dioxide heteronanostructures

In this paper, a coral-like tin diselenide/MOFs-derived flower-like tin dioxide (SnSe2/SnO2) nanocomposite film sensor was fabricated by hydrothermal method for NO2 gas detection. Many characterization methods were used to examine the structural composition and micro-morphology of SnSe2, SnO2, and SnSe2/SnO2 samples. At room temperature, the SnSe2/SnO2 composite film sensor had a higher response to 20 ppm NO2 gas when the mass ratio of SnSe2 and SnO2 was 1:2. A series of experiments were performed to investigate the NO2 sensing properties of this sensor. The results of gas-sensing tests indicated that the SnSe2/SnO2 (1:2) nanocomposite sensor had excellent NO2 gas sensitivity performance, better linearity and selectivity compared with pristine SnSe2 and SnO2 film sensors. In particular, the response value of the SnSe2/SnO2 nanocomposite sensor towards 20 ppm NO2 gas was obviously improved from 7.4 to 12.6 under UV illumination, and the response/recovery times towards 10 ppm NO2 gas were shortened from 110 s/160 to 80 s/144 s. The possible NO2 sensing mechanism was related to the heterostructure between n-type SnSe2 and n-type SnO2 nanomaterials, and at the same time, we proposed that photoelectrons excited by UV light could improve the sensing characteristics of the SnSe2/SnO2 nanocomposite towards NO2 gas.

Optical Power Splitter Based on Single Mode Directional Coupler Waveguide Using SnO2 Nanomaterial

Optical power splitter based on waveguide had been simulated numerically using Finite Difference Beam Propagation Method (FDBPM). Proposed waveguide was designed in the form of simple directional coupler waveguide. The waveguide was contained SnO2 nanomaterial as film or the guide part and the other supporting material as cladding with lower refractive index such as flint glasses. The waveguide used 2 μm of width to establish single-mode waveguide. The structure of waveguide is divided into three parts such as input, coupling and output part. While the waveguide was modified with angle in input and output parts to avoid coupling between waveguides. Furthermore, the proposed waveguide was analysed by varying the angle and coupling length. The analysed result shows that the waveguide has best performance in angle of 0.5 degrees and coupling length of 300 μm when the propagation loss was around 0.53%. Using the parameter, the output distribution percentage of waveguide approached 55%:44.5%. This performance indicated that the proposed waveguide can be used as optical power splitter. The application is very useful for optical telecommunication networking development.

A high-performance ethanol gas sensor based on Ce-doped SnO2 nanomaterials prepared by the Pechini method

Ce doped SnO2 composite nanomaterials with different concentrations were prepared by a modified green Pechini method. The crystalline phases, elemental composition, and surface topography of the composite material were characterized by various characterization methods. The test results reveal that the sensor with appropriate Ce doping SnO2 has excellent gas sensing properties for ethanol. The device doped with 2% Ce showed a response as high as 69.4 in 50 ppm ethanol, which is 2.4 times that of the device based on Pure-SnO2. Moreover, the sensor has a lower optimum operating temperature, better ethanol selectivity, linearity, and stability. The enhancement factors of the sensing characteristics are further discussed. Ce-doped SnO2 nanomaterials prepared by the Pechini method have great application potential in gas sensors.

Enhanced n-butanol sensing performance of SnO2-based gas sensors by doping In2O3 via co-precipitation method

A series of In2O3-SnO2 nanocomposites were synthesized with a facile hydrothermal co-precipitation method and calcination after-treatment at 400 °C. The crystal phase structure, morphology, and elemental composition were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. In2O3-SnO2 nanocomposite-based gas sensors were fabricated, and their potential applications were assessed by testing gas-sensing properties systematically. The results exhibited that a small amount of In2O3 dopant improved the dispersion and increased the specific surface area of SnO2 nanomaterials. Besides, the gas response towards n-butanol gas was promoted and the working temperature was decreased by doping In2O3. In particular, the 1.5 %In2O3-SnO2 nanocomposites-based sensor showed an excellent response of 76.5 towards 50 ppm n-butanol gas at 140 °C. The binding energies of the Sn 3d in nanocomposites varied with the changed doping dosage of In through XPS analysis. The enhanced n-butanol sensing performance of the fabricated In2O3-SnO2 sensors at low operating temperature may be due to a synergistic effect between In2O3 and SnO2.

Two step synthesis and electrochemical behavior of SnO2 nanomaterials for electrical energy storage devices

Green mediated synthesis was employed to reduce the SnO2 nanomaterials from SnCl2 with the rhizome of Corallo carpus epigaeus as a reducing agent for the first time. The particles were subjected to optical, structural and morphological studies. In UV–Vis spectroscopy, the absorbent peak was observed at 352 nm confirmed the presence of Sn4+ ions. XRD pattern had been used to establish the tetragonal rutile structure of the nanomaterials. The morphological analysis revealed that the particles were in spherical shaped nanoclusters, with an average size of 10–11 nm. Electrochemical behavior was investigated using cyclic voltammetry method and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic studies. The response of CV curve was in quasi rectangular shape indicating the pseudo capacitive nature of the working electrode and also the behavior of reversible redox reactions. SnO2 nanomaterials exhibited larger specific capacitance value of 154.33 F/g at 5 mA/g. From the electrochemical impedance studies, the electron charge transfer resistance was observed to be 452 Ω which indicated significant capacitive performance of the SnO2 nanomaterials. The lower impedance generally indicate the enhanced performance of the energy storage device as well as improved electrons and diffusion of Sn4+ ions.

Au–SnO2–CdS ternary nanoheterojunction composite for enhanced visible light-induced photodegradation of imidacloprid

Herein, we have developed a novel synthetic strategy for the fabrication of Au–SnO2–CdS ternary nano-heterojunction catalyst and its utility towards LED light derived photocatalytic degradation of imidacloprid has been evaluated. The synthesized ternary nanocomposite was characterized using sophisticated analytical techniques to evaluate the catalyst's morphological, structural and surface chemical properties. The photocatalytic activity of the ternary catalyst towards the degradation of imidacloprid was evaluated under LED irradiation. Approximately 95% of the degradation efficiency was achieved with a pseudo-first-order reaction rate of 15.6 × 10−3 min−1. The degradation efficiency of Au–SnO2–CdS nano-catalyst was found to be ~1.2, 1.4 and 2.1 times to that of the pristine Au, CdS and SnO2 nanomaterials under similar experimental conditions. The effect of variation of parameters like contact time, initial pollutant concentration and pH on degradation efficiency has also been investigated. Moreover, the identification of various degradation products and reactive intermediates were made with high-performance liquid chromatography and electron spin resonance techniques.

Improved triethylamine sensing properties of fish-scale-like porous SnO2 nanosheets by decorating with Ag nanoparticles

Three dimensional (3D) porous nanostructures assembled by low-dimensional nanomaterials are widely applied in gas sensor according to porous structure which can facilitate the transport of gas molecules. In this work, fish-scale-like porous SnO2 nanomaterials assembled from ultrathin nanosheets with thickness of 16.8 nm were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal route. Then Ag nanoparticles were decorated on the surface of SnO2 nanosheets via one-step method to improve their gas-sensing performances. The sensing properties of pristine SnO2 and Ag/SnO2 nanosheets were investigated intensively. After decorating with Ag nanoparticles, the characteristics of SnO2 based sensor for triethylamine detection were significantly improved. Especially, the Ag/SnO2 based sensor with Ag content of 2 at% exhibited the highest triethylamine sensing sensitivity at optimum work temperature of 170 °C. The improved sensing properties of Ag/SnO2 sensors were attributed to the sensitizing actions of Ag nanoparticles as well as the unique hierarchical porous architecture.

Porous carbon assisted carbon nanotubes supporting Fe3O4 nanoparticles for improved lithium storage

Herein, to efficiently improve the lithium storage of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, a distinctive porous carbon (PC) assisted carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supporting architecture has been designed and fabricated successfully. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles are deposited on the surface of CNTs and then covered by an extra PC. In such a designed architecture, highly conductive and robust CNTs can not only improve the conductivity but also boost the structure of the as-fabricated Fe3O4-based composite (CNTs@Fe3O4@PC). In particular, the foam-like PC has a certain level of volume elasticity and open tunnel-like structure to better anchor the Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the surface of CNTs and facilitate the transfer of electrons and ions, therefore guaranteeing the fast kinetics and long-term stability. The results show that the capacitive contribution is predominant in lithium storage of the CNTs@Fe3O4@PC electrode. Consequently, the as-fabricated CNTs@Fe3O4@PC shows high capacity, good rate capability, and long life, displaying 766 and 572 mAh g-1 after 400 and 700 cycles at 200 and even 1000 mA g-1, respectively. Thus outstanding performance makes the CNTs@Fe3O4@PC have great potential to be advanced lithium-ion battery anode materials. Furthermore, this strategy can be extended to other nanostructured metal oxide anodes, such as CoO, SnO2, and Bi2O3 nanomaterials.

Influence of Li doping on the morphological evolution and optical & electrical properties of SnO2 nanomaterials and SnO2/Li2SnO3 composite nanomaterials

SnO2 nanomaterials and SnO2/Li2SnO3 composite nanomaterials doped with different Li contents were synthesized via a simple one-step thermal evaporation method. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that with the increase of Li doping, the intensity of Li2SnO3 diffraction peaks gradually increased, while that of SnO2 diffraction peaks gradually decreased. With the increase of Li doping, the width of nanobelts gradually increased, with the morphology changing from banded structure to standard hexagonal sheet structure. The Raman scattering spectra indicated that with the increase of Li doping, the peak of Li2SnO3 at 588.8 cm−1 kept increasing, and the strongest vibration mode A1g in SnO2 gradually weakened. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that with the increase of Li doping, the surface electrophilic oxygen species in SnO2/Li2SnO3 composite nanomaterials greatly increased. Under the condition of light irradiation with a wavelength of 505 nm, the bright current of the Li-doped SnO2 samples was higher than the dark current, while that of the SnO2/Li2SnO3 composite nanomaterials was higher than the dark current, which was mainly due to more oxygen vacancies in SnO2/Li2SnO3 composite nanomaterials than electrons excited by light. Consequently, positive photoconductivity gradually weakened, and even the negative photoconductivity emerged.

Influence of anionic precursors on electrochemical properties of tin oxide nanoparticles: a comparative analysis

A cost-effective chemical precipitation method has been adopted to synthesis tin oxide (SnO2) nanomaterials with the help of two different anionic sources (NH3OH and NaOH). Initially, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies confirm the formation of regular rutile tetragonal crystal structure of SnO2. The functional group analysis by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy identifies the presence of Sn-OH stretching mode of vibration. The morphological with elemental confirmation by HRSEM with EDAX analysis observes the formation of SnO2 agglomeration in appropriate ratio (Sn and O) without showing any other impurities. The particle size analysis (PSA) reveals that the synthesized SnO2 nanomaterials are in a nano-sized range of 10 nm to 33 nm. The optical analysis using UV–Visible (UV) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy reveals that the bandgap energy of synthesized materials is found to be 4.12 eV and 4.14 eV, blue-shifted from bulk materials. The electrochemical behavior of synthesized tin oxide nanomaterials as working electrodes are examined by a conventional three-electrode system with analyzed parameters such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). This study exposes the highest specific capacitance Csp value of 405.15 F g−1 at a scan rate of 1 mV s−1 and 403.72 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 Ag−1. The highest energy density and power density value of 27.48 Wh kg−1 at 0.5 Ag−1 and 145.83 W kg−1 at 1 Ag−1, respectively, presents a promising positive working electrode material for supercapacitor applications.

Hydrothermal synthesis of hierarchical SnO2 nanomaterials for high-efficiency detection of pesticide residue

Acephate pesticide contamination in agricultural production has caused serious human health problems. Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) gas sensor can be used as a portable and promising alternative tool for efficiently detection of acephate. In this study, hierarchical assembled SnO2 nanosphere, SnO2 hollow nanosphere and SnO2 nanoflower were synthesized respectively as high efficiency sensing materials to build rapid and selective acephate pesticide residues sensors. The morphologies of different SnO2 3D nanostructures were characterized by various material characterization technology. The sensitive performance test results of the 3D SnO2 nanomaterials towards acephate show that hollow nanosphere SnO2 based sensor displayed preferable sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response (9 s) properties toward acephate at the optimal working temperature (300 °C). This SnO2 hollow nanosphere based gas sensor represents a useful tool for simple and highly effective monitoring of acephate pesticide residues in food and environment. According to the characterization results, particularly Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV–vis), the obvious and fast response can be attributed to the mesoporous hollow nanosphere structure and appropriate band gap of SnO2 hollow nanosphere.

Doped SnO2 Nanomaterials for E-Nose Based Electrochemical Sensing of Biomarkers of Lung Cancer.

Lung cancer detection includes detection of a pattern formed by multiple volatile organic compounds. An individual material has limited selectivity and hence requires tailoring to improve the selectivity and sensing properties. An electronic nose (e-nose) is a concept/device that can help in achieving selectivity and specificity for multiple volatile organic compounds at the same time by using an array of sensors. In this paper, Co and Ni doping in tin oxide was used to investigate as a sensor material for e-nose development. These were synthesized using a sol–gel method and were characterized for structural, morphological, and elemental assessment using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which indicated the formation of the composite nanomaterial of SnO2. These synthesized materials were then used as a working electrode in the form of a screen-printed electrode to determine 1-propanol and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) sensing characteristics. Electrochemical characterization was done by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In the case of CV studies, well-defined and distinct redox peaks are observed at different potential values indicating the changes due to the dopants. Ni doping in SnO2 shows the highest sensitivity of 2.99 μA/ppb for isopropyl alcohol and 3.11 for 1-propanol, within the detection range. Furthermore, Co–SnO2 shows selectivity for IPA, while Ni–SnO2 is selective to 1-propanol against all other volatile compounds analyzed.

Defect engineering in SnO2 nanomaterials: Pathway to enhance the biohydrogen production from agricultural residue of corn stover

It has been shown that altering nanomaterials through surface defects engineering (creation of oxygen vacancies) can be possible route to enhance the hydrogen production from agricultural residue of corn stover. Surface defects of oxygen vacancies in SnO2 nanoparticles were controlled through subsequent annealing in various environments such as oxygen (O), air and reducing gas (Ar95%+H25%). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed to analyze the morphology and crystalline structure. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was employed to study the reflectance spectra. Annealing atmosphere showed profound effect on band energy where red shift in band energy of Δ = 0.28 eV and Δ = 0.56 eV were observed after annealing in air and reducing gas respectively. In relation to control group, nanoparticles annealed in reducing and air environment showed increase in hydrogen production rate and accumulated hydrogen production of 25.64% (147 mL/h), 23.636% (345 mL) and 16.24% (136 mL/h), 11.83% (312 mL) respectively. Reducing environment helped to generate more oxygen vacancies which enhances charge transfer mechanism, and eventually increases the metabolic rate to enhance the hydrogen production. Present work shows the novel pathway to regulate the charge flow to enhance the fermentative hydrogen production.

3D ordered porous SnO2 with a controllable pore diameter for enhanced formaldehyde sensing performance

This paper reports the preparation of 3D ordered porous SnO2 with different diameters (103, 546, and 1030[Formula: see text]nm) by a simple template method. We find that 103[Formula: see text]nm porous SnO2 nanomaterials have the highest response (30) and fastest response/recovery time (3/10 s) for 100 ppm HCHO (formaldehyde) compared with the response and response/recovery times for 546 nm (20 and 3/17[Formula: see text]s, respectively) and 1030 nm (10 and 6/20[Formula: see text]s, respectively) porous SnO2 nanomaterials at a low working temperature (220∘C). All three sensors show good long-term stability, repeatability, and linearity. The results show that decreasing the diameter of the porous SnO2 materials effectively increased the gas sensitivity to HCHO. The increase in the gas sensitivity was attributed to the ordered porous structures, large specific surface area, and additional oxygen vacancies on the surface.

Cerium-doped SnO2 nanomaterials with enhanced gas-sensitive properties for adsorption semiconductor sensors intended to detect low H2 concentrations

Highly sensitive to H2 sensors were created on the base of material obtained through tin (II) oxalate oxidation by hydrogen peroxide water solution. It has been established that the addition of 0.1 wt% Ce to the sensor materials significantly increases response values of the sensors to hydrogen micro-concentrations in air (44 ppm H2). Nanoscale nature of the obtained sensor materials was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The average particle size of the obtained 0.1 wt% Ce/SnO2 sensor materials was found to be 10.6 nm. The sensors doped with 0.1 wt% Ce exhibit enhanced gas sensing properties: a wide concentration range of H2 detection in air, relatively high selectivity to hydrogen and good repeatability of the response to H2 during long-term sensor operation (2 months). Analysis of the previously reported data has revealed a promising combination of high sensitivity to hydrogen and fast response time with low Ce loading for sensors based on Ce/SnO2 material obtained in this work.

Feasibility study of doped SnO2 nanomaterial for electronic nose towards sensing biomarkers of lung cancer

Feasibility study of doped SnO2 nanomaterial for electronic nose towards sensing biomarkers of lung cancer

Constructing 3D porous SnO2 nanomaterials for enhanced formaldehyde sensing performances

3D porous SnO2 nanomaterials enhanced gas sensitivity properties for formaldehyde has been successfully prepared by a simple template method. The morphology of the synthesized SnO2 was observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) as a 3D porous structure with a pore diameter of 120 nm. We systematically studied the gas sensing performance of 3D porous SnO2 and particulate SnO2. The result shows that the response value of 3D porous SnO2 to 100 ppm formaldehyde gas was 51.0 at low temperature 230 ℃, which was 6.4 times higher than that of particulate SnO2 (8.0), and the response/the recovery time of 3D porous SnO2 was 8 s/15 s. The minimum detection concentration of 3D porous SnO2 was 0.5 ppm formaldehyde with the response value of 2. However, particulate SnO2 can only be detected 10 ppm with the response value of 2. In addition, the selectivity coefficient of 3D porous SnO2 for formaldehyde was up to 7, which is better than particulate SnO2 (1). The reason for the enhanced sensitivity of 3D porous SnO2 formaldehyde gas is not only related to its porous structure and smaller grain size, but also to the increase in oxygen vacancies.

Electrochemical Detection of Analytes in Fluids

A sufficient intake of nutrients is essential to remain healthy and hence few accurate methods of analysis for these nutritional values in pharmaceutical, fruits, milk, energy drinks, etc. are required. A wide variety of analytical techniques, such as Thermogravimetry, Spectrophotometry, High performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), HPLC coupled with Mass Spectroscopy, Colorimetric, Flow Injection Chemiluminescence, Fluorimetric and Electrophoresis, etc. have been reported for the quantification of such nutrients. However, some of these methods are inappropriate for standard analysis as these techniques employed under these methods are complicated analytical processes, time-consuming and involve expensive instrumentation. Therefore, it is essential to develop a simple method to monitor the nutritional values over a wide range. Among various analytical methods, electroanalytical technique is a potential alternative due to fast, simple, and low-cost detection capabilities, making them ideal for applications in the field of pharmacy, food, and agriculture. Also, due to the possibility of miniaturization, this analytical technique gained much attraction. There has been a consistent effort towards the development of novel sensing strategies with specific attention to enhance specificity, sensitivity, and response time. In recent years, electrochemical methods are applied widely to detect and determine a variety of biological compounds, organic molecules and inorganic ions. Among various electroanalytical methods, cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, chronoamperometry, chronocoulometry, linear sweep voltammetry, square wave voltammetry and adsorptive stripping voltammetry are commonly employed for the detection of analytes. There are few selected nanomaterials that are being used as base materials in emerging technologies for possessing exceptional potential. Among such materials, tin oxide (SnO2) is a material with exciting sensing properties such as high sensitivity, good chemical stability, high electron mobility, fast response, and good recovery speed. It is a key functional material that has been used extensively in transparent conductors, transistors, optoelectronic devices and electrochemical modifiers on electrodes. Electrochemical analysis using SnO2 nanomaterial has been used for the qualitative and quantitative determination of amount of electro active analytes. This method is reported to be highly accurate, reliable and cheap.During the last few years, we began to focus on synthesizing and developing SnO2 nanomaterials for the detection of different analytes in fluids. My team is currently working for the detection of different analytes like Folic acid, Riboflavin and Vitamin B12, etc. in fluids and pharmaceutical samples. It is observed that all these analytes can be detected using certain modifications in sensing (SnO2 nanomaterials) electrodes. The sensing characteristics of SnO2 can further be improved by chemical doping with appropriate elements. The advantage of this method is that the detection is possible multiple times using same sensing electrode. As per our experience, SnO2 has great potential to become an economical sensing electrode and can be synthesized on any conducting substrates. This talk will discuss examples of ongoing research work on different SnO2 based sensors. Figure 1

SnO2 nanowires for Electrochemical Detection of Riboflavin

Introduction There are few selected nanomaterials that are being used as base materials in emerging technologies for possessing exceptional potential. Among such materials, tin oxide (SnO2) is a material with exciting sensing properties such as high sensitivity, good chemical stability, high electron mobility, fast response, and good recovery speed [1]. Electrochemical analysis using SnO2 nanomaterial has been used for the qualitative and quantitative determination of amount of electro active analytes. This method is reported to be highly accurate, reliable and cheap. Several characterization techniques are used to investigate the electrochemical response like Cyclic voltammetry (CV), Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV), Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV) or Pulsed Amperiometry (PA) [2]. SnO2 nanowires are hereby reported for the detection of Riboflavin (RF). It is observed that the synthesized nanowires can detect the analyte efficiently. Method SnO2 nanowires were synthesized by template-directed electrodeposition. Copper foil was used as the substrate. The Sn nanowires were electrodeposited into the nanoholes of the polycarbonate membranes by a three-electrode system in a solution containing 0.05 M SnCl2.2H2O and HCl at room temperature. The electrochemical synthesis was performed on a CHI660 electrochemical Workstation. The electrodeposition was performed at -0.7 V (vs saturated Ag/AgCl), with platinum serving as the counter electrode. After SnO2 nanowires were electrodeposited into track etch polycarbonate membranes, the assembly system was annealed in the air at 85oC to form an ordered SnO2 nanowire array. Ag/AgCl as a reference electrode and gold as an auxillary electrode were used to set up the modifications in detection technique. CV, DPV and EIS techniques were used for the successful detection of RF. Moreover, for measuring the pH values, a pH meter with a combined electrode (glass-reference electrode) was used. All potentials are measured against the Ag/AgCl reference electrode at room temperature. Results and Conclusions Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) is used to characterize the morphologies of the as-prepared products. To demonstrate the chemical composition, EDS analysis was performed. The crystal structure of the as-prepared samples is determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) with Cu Kα radiation. All these results showed that the nanowires are successfully synthesized in their pure form. Electrochemical studies were carried out by CV and DPV studies. EIS technique also verified about the successful determination of analytes. The developed sensor exhibits good stability, reproducibility and efficiency. Moreover, its practical application was also checked in pharmaceutical samples by the recovery test. For RF content in pharmaceutical samples in the range from 52-150 μM, the developed sensor retains its linearity which indicates that the fabricated sensor not only works well in 0-13 μM range but beyond that range also. Compared with all other existing electrodes reported in the literature, the reported work not only showed remarkably lower detection limit but also the cheapest electrode ever synthesized.