We introduce a simple method of synthesizing SnO2 nanowire-Bi2Sn2O7 nanoparticle composites based on the principle that SnO2 nanowires can be grown by using Bi as catalysts. A mixture of Bi and Sn powders was thermally evaporated, and the effects of growth temperature on the morphology and structure of the products were investigated. We obtained Bi2Sn2O7-tipped SnO2 nanowires at 700 degrees C through a vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) process, whereas particle-free SnO2 nanowires were produced at higher temperatures. We have investigated the oxygen sensing properties of the as-synthesized product. (c) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.