ZrO2–SnO2 nanocomposite film containing superlattice ribbons

An air–water interfacial ZrO2–SnO2 nanocomposite film has been self-assembled with sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) as template and metal alkoxide as precursor. Results show that a number of superlattice ribbons with a periodic spacing of ∼3 nm have been successfully assembled in the ZrO2–SnO2 film. The related element dispersion analysis and the self-assembly mechanism of these ribbons are carefully discussed. After heat-treatment, these superlattice ribbons convert to porous nanorods due to the removal of SDS template. Both the original ZrO2–SnO2 nanocomposite film and the heat-treated product may have a potential to apply on gas sensors.