Alcohol sensing properties of SnO_2/CNT nanocomposites synthesized by microwave-assisted process

摘要

SnO_2/CNT nanocomposites were synthesized via microwave-assisted process using SnCl_4-5H_2O as a starting precursor and UV-treated multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as scaffolds. The concentration of SnCl_4 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 as-synthesized composites are the mixture of two separated phases including SnO_2 and MWCNT. SEM images indicate that the surfaces of MWCNT are thoroughly covered with SnO_2 nanoparticles. Comparative gas sensing result reveals that the prepared hybrid SnO_2/MWCNT composites exhibit much higher sensing sensitivity and recovery property in detecting alcohol gas at room temperature than the bare SnO_2.