One-Pot Synthesis and Gas-Sensing Properties of Hierarchical ZnSnO₃ Nanocages

We have successfully fabricated hierarchical ZnSnO₃ nanocages via a facile one-pot solution synthesis method. Field emission scanning electron microscopic and transmission electron microscopic results reveal that the cubic ZnSnO₃ samples with hollow interior and porous shells are cage-like structure with the side length of 200−400 nm, where the subunits are irregular-shaped nanoparticles. The time-dependent morphology of the ZnSnO₃ samples has been investigated, and a possible formation mechanism of these hierarchical structures is proposed. Moreover, gas sensor based on hierarchical ZnSnO₃ nanocages exhibits better sensing properties compared with the solid ZnSnO₃ nanocubes. The facile preparation method may provide an easy path to the extendable synthesis of other functional nanomaterials with hollow structure and further exploitation of the potential applications.