Nearly monodispersed ZnSn(OH)(6) nanocubes of about 30nm in edge length as precursors are hydrothermally prepared in the presence of PVP surfactant. Thermal decomposition of the nanocube precursors at a temperature of 800 degrees C under inert gas protection leads to the formation of ultrafine nanoparticles of Zn2SnO4-SnO2. The as-produced nanoparticles are roughly spherical and structurally porous. The electrical conductivity measurements demonstrate that thin-film type sensor based on this material has high sensitivity and durability to ethanol, with its optimized sensing properties at a working temperature of 300 degrees C. Response of the sensor element tends to saturate above an ethanol concentration of 500 ppm. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.