Solvothermal controlled growth of Zn-doped SnO2 branched nanorod clusters

Branched Zn-doped SnO₂ nanorod clusters with tunable size and aspect ratios were prepared by a facile solvothermal process. The introduction of a small quantity of Zn²⁺ proved to play an important role in directing the anisotropic growth of SnO₂ nanocrystals. The as-synthesized products exhibit tetragonal rutile structure and many lattice defects exist in the products. The possible growth mechanism has been proposed. These Zn-doped SnO₂ nanorods exhibited unique Raman spectrum in contrast with the undoped SnO₂ nanostructures. These Zn-doped SnO₂ nanorods showed good sensitivities to ethanol gas, acetone gas, and benzene gas.