Ultra-sensitive SnO2 aerogel in nano-trace ethanol detection

SnO 2 is a charming contributor to sensors, while the intrinsic deficiencies, like facile conglomeration, hard stimulation, and poor stability, limit its potential prospects. The SnO 2 aerogel (SA) is proposed through an achievable fabrication, effectively solving the difficulties and exhibiting a satisfactory ability in ethanol detection. The SA450 behaves as the spearhead, which owns the narrowest bandgap of 3.2 eV and the largest double-layer capacitance of 559 μF/cm 2 , symbolizing the most prone electronic transitions and active sites. Besides, SEM, TEM , and AFM are served to obtain the nanoparticle size and the rough surface. The SA450 exhibits an outstanding sensing ability at 150 ℃, and the DFT calculation is taken as evidence. Interestingly, the SA0 without calcination can exhibit a satisfying SERS detection towards 4-MBA, which applies to explosive detection. Finally, the bandgap structure and response process are discussed. This work introduces a brand-new preparation of metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs), overcoming plenty of aporias in gas sensors and simultaneously producing the SERS response, which can lead to a fresh direction for sensing materials.