A method has been developed to synthesize metal and metal oxide nanostructures in high yields on the
surface of SiO2/Si substrate. In this method, starting materials in a covered alumina crucible are thermally
evaporated under a high vacuum or a low pressure of ambient air. Spherical gold nanoparticles with a
size of 15nmand nanowires with a diameter of 70nmwere synthesized. SnO2 rough microwires, smooth
nanowires, and nanoknives were synthesized by using Sn granules, SnO powder, and SnO2 powder as
source materials, respectively. The microwires showed a quadrangular cross section and a length of
several microns, while the nanowires showed a circular cross section and approximately the same length.
The effects of source temperature and deposition time on nanostructure growth were studied. X-ray
diffraction patterns suggested that the as-synthesized products consisted of crystalline nanostructure.
Nanocomposite gas sensors on the base of noble metal and metal oxide were fabricated. These SnO2
nanowire gas sensors showed a reversible response to dilute NO2 gas at operating temperatures ranging
between room temperature and 300 ◦C even at high concentrations. The results demonstrated that gold
doping improved the sensor response.
Research Abstract
Research Department
Research Journal
Materials Chemistry and Physics
Research Member
Research Vol
Vol. 127
Research Year
2011
Research Pages
PP. 143–150