Enhanced ethanol-gas sensing performance of Ce-doped SnO2 hollow nanofibers prepared by electrospinning

Tin oxide (SnO2) hollow nanofibers doped with cerium oxide (CeOx) were synthesized to study the impact of CeO2 additives on their chemical sensing response. X-ray diffraction analysis and Raman scattering spectroscopic analysis showed that crystallization of CeO2 in the fiber composites was observed only when the Ce concentration was greater than 6 mol%. Also, maximum sensing response to ethanol was seen in the fiber composites with 6 mol% addition of Ce. Accordingly, we have discussed the possible explanations for this, including the role of crystalline CeO2 as a surface catalyst, and the role of hydrogen liberated during the dehydrogenation reaction of ethanol diffusing into the SnO2 lattice. The results obtained in this study indicate that SnO2–CeO2 nanofiber composites are potential candidates for use as high-sensitivity gas sensors.