Axial periodical nanostructures of Sb-doped SnO2 grown by chemical vapor deposition

We report the synthesis and characterization Sb-doped SnO2 nanowires by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at 850 °C. The as-synthesized-doped nanowires showed unique periodical structures in contrast to the traditional nanowires with smooth surfaces. The fascinating structures lead to a much higher surface to volume ratio and greater changes of depletion layer volume after gas absorption, and the sensitivity of gas sensing devices may be improved by using axial periodical nanostructures, instead of ordinary one. The photoluminescence of the Sb-doped SnO2 nanostructures were measured. The doping of Sb atoms brings two new emission peaks at 561 and 670 nm.