Single porous SnO2 microtubes templated from Papilio maacki bristles: new structure towards superior gas sensing

Abstract

Templated from the bristles on Papilio maacki wings, single porous SnO₂ microtubes (SPSMs) have been synthesized by soaking and sintering. The delicate microstructure and morphology of SPSMs were characterized by SEM and TEM. Silver electrodes were precisely contacted on the two ends of an SPSM for gas-sensing measurement in reducing gases. The SPSMs were highly sensitive to trace ammonia, formaldehyde, and ethanol at room temperature. They also exhibited low working temperature and short response/recovery times. The average response and recovery times were only about 3 s and 30 s. Compared with the non-porous structure and the filled structure, the SPSMs showed higher sensitivity. The fascinating biomorphic structure of the SPSMs will open a new way for the design and application of sensor devices for the detection of harmful and toxic gases.