Enhanced Methane Sensing Properties of WO3 Nanosheets with Dominant Exposed (200) Facet via Loading of SnO2 Nanoparticles

Methane detection is extremely difficult, especially at low temperatures, due to its high chemical stability. Here, WO₃ nanosheets loaded with SnO₂ nanoparticles with a particle size of about 2 nm were prepared by simple impregnation and subsequent calcination using SnO₂ and WO₃·H₂O as precursors. The response of SnO₂-loaded WO₃ nanosheet composites to methane is about 1.4 times higher than that of pure WO₃ at the low optimum operating temperature (90 °C). Satisfying repeatability and long-term stability are ensured. The dominant exposed (200) crystal plane of WO₃ nanosheets has a good balance between easy oxygen chemisorption and high reactivity at the dangling bonds of W atoms, beneficial for gas-sensing properties. Moreover, the formation of a n⁻n type heterojunction at the SnO₂-WO₃ interface and additionally the increase of specific surface area and defect density via SnO₂ loading enhance the response further. Therefore, the SnO₂-WO₃ composite is promising for the development of sensor devices to methane.