SnO2 nanorods with the rutile structure were prepared with annealing precursor powders produced by solid-state reaction coated surfactant at room temperature. The phase structure and morphologies of SnO2 nanorods were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). The results show that diameter and length of the as-made nanorods are less then 20 nm and several micrometers, respectively. The indirect-heating sensors, using the SnO2 nanorods as sensitive materials fabricated on an alumna tube with Au electrodes and platinum wires, were fabricated and investigated for the gas sensing properties. The investigation demonstrates that the sensor based on SnO2 nanorods materials has good sensitivity, high selectivity and short response and reversion time to C2H5OH at 300 degrees C. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.