Hierarchical peony-like Sb-doped SnO2 nanostructures: Synthesis, characterization and HCHO sensing properties

Hierarchical peony-like Sb-doped SnO2 nanostructures were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal route and following calcination. The microstructure and morphology were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Characterization results showed that as-prepared samples are uniform peony-like hierarchical nanostructures composed of edgy petal shaped nanosheets, and Sb element was uniformly distributed in SnO2 nanoflowers. The comparison between pure and doped samples was carried out to reveal the superior gas sensing performance of hierarchical peony-like Sb-doped SnO2 nanostructures. The experimental result indicated that sensor based on hierarchical peony-like Sb-doped SnO2 nanostructures exhibited excellent formaldehyde sensing properties at lower operating temperature. The effect of Sb-doping on the formaldehyde sensing performance of SnO2 nanostructures has been discussed. The results have provided experimental and theoretical basis for designing high performance gas sensors to detect formaldehyde.