Synthesis of 3D flower-like ZnSnO3 and improvement of ethanol-sensing properties at room temperature based on nano-TiO2 decoration and UV radiation

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) flower-like ZnSnO 3 samples were prepared based on ZnSn(OH) 6 precursors with the same morphology. The sensor with the ZnSnO 3 sensitive material under UV radiation shows an ethanol response at room temperature (RT), and the ethanol-sensing properties can be greatly improved by nano-TiO 2 decoration at the same conditions. UV–vis absorption spectra show that both pristine ZnSnO 3 with 3D flower-like structure and TiO 2 -decorated counterpart exhibit a good UV absorption performance according to the strong and wide adsorption peak in the UV region, and that both energy gaps are narrower (about 3.19 eV) than that of the photon energy of the UV light (3.40 eV) used in this study. Possible reasons for the formation of the 3D flower-like structure and improvement of ethanol-sensing properties at RT were discussed.