Au nanoparticles were deposited on an individual SnO2 nanobelt by means of vapor deposition. This nanostructure was configured as CO sensor, and its detection limit could reach 10 ppm at the temperature interval from 523 to 673 K. The effects of Au/SnO2 contact structures on sensing abilities of Au-decorated SnO2 nanobelt are discussed. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.