Two-dimensional ZnO nanosheets with dimensions of several microns in length and tens of nanometers in thickness were synthesized via a simple mixed hydrothermal synthesis in the presence of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and 1, 2-propanediol. The ZnO nanosheets are characterized by using X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The formation mechanism and effect of CTAB on the morphology of ZnO nanosheets have also been discussed. Furthermore, gas sensing properties were measured between 180 and 360 degrees C by a static test system, which confirm that the as-synthesized ZnO nanosheets are of good selectivity and response to actone at low temperature and to gasoline at high temperature, and could be an ideal temperature selecting gas sensor for the detection of both acetone and gasoline. (C) 2010 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved.