Shape control and selective decoration of Zn2SnO4 nanostructures on 1D nanowires: Boosting chemical–sensing performances

[Display omitted] •A facile applicable approach to synthesize different one–dimensional (1D) Mn3O4/Zn2SnO4 heterostructures is reported.•The Mn3O4 nanowires decorated with Zn2SnO4 achieved high response and rapid response time within 3 s to C3H6O.•Loading Zn2SnO4 onto Mn3O4 nanowires can generate more adsorbed oxygen and facilitate gas sensing reaction effectively. One–dimensional (1D) heterostructures are promising for the fascinating physical/chemical properties. However, the selective deposition of innovative materials as efficient active sites on the backbone material is still challenging and meaningful. Herein, a universal strategy is presented to synthesize the novel 1D heterostructure, which is constituted of Mn3O4 nanowires (Mn3O4 NWs) and nano–sized Zn2SnO4 subunits with controllable morphologies including Zn2SnO4 nanorods (Zn2SnO4 NRs), Zn2SnO4 nanocubes (Zn2SnO4 NCs) and Zn2SnO4 nanooctahedrons (Zn2SnO4 NOs). The 1D Mn3O4/Zn2SnO4 heterostructure is proved to generate abundant surface adsorbed oxygen molecules to modulate the sensing activity in chemical sensors (CSs) for application in the acetone vapor detection. The developed gas sensor shows enhanced responses, ultrafast response time and great stability. The selective deposition method and interface engineering will open up an avenue to design the heterostructured nanomaterials for high–performance CSs and other potential applications.