NanoZnSnO3 powders were prepared by the coprecipitation method, using ZnSO4·7H2O SnCl4·5H2O as the starting material. The ceramic powders were characterized by Xray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Pure and noble metaldoped ZnSnO3 thick film gas sensors were fabricated by an indirect heating process and the gas sensing properties were tested. The reason for the above improvement was analyzed on a gas sensing mechanism and the basis of morphology observation of these thick film sensors. The results show that the sensitivities of these thick sensors to combustible gases, such as C2H5OH and H2, are greatly improved. Gas sensitivities of thick sensors with doping metallic irons, including Ag+ and Pd2+ to hydrogen gas, are fifteen times greater than that of pure ZnSnO3 thick film sensors. The grain size is inhibited and more gas holes cover the surface by doping metallic irons, the key reason for the improved gassensing properties.