We demonstrate here the utility of polycarbonate membrane in preparing oxide particles of unusual shape and properties. Unlike the usual formation of nanowires or tubes using alumina templates, here, pyramidal shaped SnO2 particles with a preferred orientation along the (2 11) direction have been prepared using polycarbonate membranes. Simple impregnation of SnO2 sol into a polycarbonate membrane by sonication followed by calcination at 800 degrees C resulted in the formation of pyramidal shaped SnO2 particles. Compared to the alumina membrane the recovery of the particles from polycarbonate membrane is very simple. The sensor fabricated using such particles without any catalyst addition exhibited 64% sensitivity towards 500 ppm butane at 500 degrees C with a recovery time of 27s. This method could be used as a simple technique to prepare oxide particles of different size and shape for diverse applications. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.