Facile synthesis and remarkable hydrogen sensing performance of Pt-loaded SnO2 hollow microspheres

Abstract SnO 2 hollow microspheres (HMSs) have been prepared through a facile hydrothermal route combining with subsequent calcination without any additive templates. The obtained porous SnO 2 HMSs process a large specific surface area of 64.2 m 2 ·g –1 and exhibit high gas sensing capabilities. Surface loading Pt nanoparticles on SnO 2 HMSs improves the sensor response and reduces the operating temperature for achieving high sensitivity, fast response and excellent selectivity to hydrogen at room temperature. The sensor response to 200 ppm H 2 is 21 at 50 °C with a response time of 4 s. These remarking sensing properties are attributed to the synergism provided by the unique porous hollow spherical structure of SnO 2 HMSs and the catalytic activity of Pt nanoparticles.