Properties of a single SnO2:Zn2SnO4 – Functionalized nanowire based nanosensor

Tin oxide nanowires (SnO2 NWs) exhibit large potential for applications in sensor and detector technology. Using a flame transport synthesis method, high-quality single crystalline SnO2 nanowires (NWs) with Zn2SnO4 dots functionalized surface were synthesized on a large scale. The individual SnO2:Zn2SnO4 nanowire based ultraviolet photodetector and ethanol vapors nanosensors were fabricated by contacting an individual nanowire to pre-patterned Au electrodes via a FIB/SEM system. The photodetector structure exhibited excellent photoconductive performance in terms of high response to the 375nm ultraviolet light irradiation, ultra-fast response and recovery time at different temperatures (25–300K). It also showed a long term stability and reliability. The n-type semiconducting behavior of the SnO2:Zn2SnO4, forms an excellent material for fabricating highly sensitive and rapid responding sensors, which will enable the development of high-performance multi-functional devices.