SnO₂ Nanowire Networks on a Spherical Sn Surface: Synthesis and NO₂ sensing properties

구형 Sn 표면의 SnO₂ 나노와이어 네트워크: 합성과 NO₂ 감지 특성

One-dimensional metal oxide nanostructures have attracted considerable research activities owing to their strong application potential as components for nanosize electronic or optoelectronic devices utilizing superior optical and electrical properties. In which, semiconducting $SnO_2$ material with wide-bandgap Eg = 3.6 eV at room temperature, is one of the attractive candidates for optoelectronic devices operating at room temperature [1, 2], gas sensor [3, 4], and transparent conducting electrodes [5]. The synthesis and gas sensing properties of semiconducting $SnO_2$ nanomaterials have become one of important research issues since the first synthesis of SnO2 nanowires. In this study, $SnO_2$ nanowire networks were synthesized on a basis of a two-step process. In step 1, Sn spheres (30-800 nm in diameter) embedded in $SiO_2$ on a Si substrate was synthesized by a chemical vapor deposition method at $700^{\circ}C$. In step 2, using the source of these Sn spheres, $SnO_2$ nanowire (20-40 nm in diameter; $1-10{\mu}m$ in length) networks on a spherical Sn surface were synthesized by a thermal oxidation method at $800^{\circ}C$. The Au layers were pre-deposited on the surface of Sn spherical and subsequently oxidized Sn surface of Sn spherical formed SnO2 nanowires networks. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images indicated that $SnO_2$ nanowires are single crystalline. In addition, the $SnO_2$ nanowire is also a tetragonal rutile, with the preferred growth directions along [100] and a lattice spacing of 0.237 nm. Subsequently, the $NO_2$ sensing properties of the $SnO_2$ network nanowires sensor at an operating temperature of $50-250^{\circ}C$ were examined, and showed a reversible response to $NO_2$ at various $NO_2$ concentrations. Finally, details of the growth mechanism and formation of Sn spheres and $SnO_2$ nanowire networks are also discussed.