One-dimensional tin oxide nanotube Structures are synthesized using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as templates. The thin films of porous SWNTs synthesized by arc-discharge method are first covered by a thin layer of metallic tin and then thermally oxidized in air to form tin oxide nanotubes. In this work, the details of the fabrication process and the effect of oxidation temperature on the microstructure and composition of materials are studied and discussed. The one-dimensional nano tin oxide SWNTs nanocomposites are found to be a good candidate for gas sensor application. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.