Synthesis and sensitivity properties of Pd-doped tin oxide nanoparticles dispersed in mesoporous silica

Pd-doped tin oxide nanoparticles dispersed in mesoporous silica were prepared by a thermal-decomposing method and characterized by isothermal nitrogen adsorption measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Tin oxide nanoparticles grow up slowly owing to confinement of the pores of the mesoporous silica. Due to the unique microstructure of the mesoporous silica, the obtained nanocomposite consists of a three-dimensional web of interconnected crystallites of tin oxide and exhibits electronic conductivity when enough tin oxide is assembled in the silica pores. The obtained nanocomposite has also a large specific surface area, and the tin oxide nanoparticles have a free surface in contact with the ambient air. Therefore, the samples exhibit a high sensitivity to CO gas, and have potential application. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.