Meso- and nanoporous solids used as supports for highly dispersed meta
l or semiconductor nanoparticles represent a promising class of materi
als for potential nanoscale devices. The electrical and optical proper
ties of zeolite Y supported SnO2 nanoparticles were studied by use of
impedance and UV diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. When subjected to r
eductive and oxidative atmospheres the samples reveal sensitive change
s in their properties which are different to that of bulk SnO2.