Susceptible CoSnO3 Nanoboxes with P-type Response for Triethylamine detection at low Temperature

Ternary metal oxides containing two different metal ions are highly promising candidates as sensor materials due to their intriguing properties endowed by the diverse combination and different valence chemistry, as well as the synergy effect of various metal ions. Herein, we report on the application of CoSnO3 nanoboxes with a porous structure as the sensing layer for highly sensitive detection of triethylamine at a relative low temperature. The CoSnO3 nanoboxes are obtained by calcination of CoSn(OH)6 precursor derived from a solution precipitation method. The dosage of cobalt is found to strongly influence the structure of the products, as well as the sensing properties. The morphological structure and chemical composition of the materials are investigated in detail by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Gas sensing measurements demonstrate the CoSnO3 nanoboxes possess a p-type response and can efficiently detect triethylamine at a low temperature of 100 oC with a limit of detection of 134 ppb. The gas sensing mechanism is discussed by the modulation of hole accumulation layer (HAL) on adsorption of gas molecules.