Synthesis of Fiber-Like Porous Microstructures SnO2 Templated by Cotton Fibers and Their Gas Sensing Properties

A novel chemistry strategy has been employed to prepare fiber-like SnO(2) by replicating the morphologies and microstructures of natural cotton fibers. X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, BET thermal analysis, and infrared spectra were used to characterize the intermediate or final products. The proposed mechanism for formation of the fiber-like SnO(2) was discussed. The obtained product was composed of nanoparticles with the average size of 14 nm which interconnected with each other and formed porous microstructures. Because of the small size and special porous microstructures, the obtained fiber-like SnO(2) showed high sensitivities to ethanol gas.