Growth of tin oxide nanocrystals

Functional oxides are presently much investigated as regards not only their basic properties, but also their actual and potential applications. Tin oxides appear particularly interesting when grown in nanowire shape (SnO2-NW) because of their electronic- and sensor-device applications. In this paper the results of a systematic study on nucleation and growth of SnO2-NWs, when an open-tube vapor-transport technique is employed, are reported and discussed. The vapor transport conditions have been investigated in greater detail and for the first time a growth model is proposed. Functional tests at different temperatures and gaseous compositions have proved that the SnO2-NW are suitable for the preparation of highly-sensitive and stable gas sensors.