Optical properties of SnO2 nanoparticles and nanorods synthesized by solvothermal process

Phase pure rutile SnO2 nanoparticles and nanorods were prepared by solvothermal technique. The diameters of the nanoparticles were in the range of 5-10 nm while the length and width of the nanorods were within 100-200 nm and similar to 50 nm, respectively. The crystal structure, morphology, and sizes of the SnO2 nanocrystals were determined by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Optical properties of the products were explored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical absorption, photoluminescence, and Raman studies. Size dependent blueshift of the optical band gap of the nanocrystals was observed due to quantum confinement. The photoluminescence spectra showed broad UV emission. The influence of the particle size and the morphology of the SnO2 nanocrystals on the vibration band in the Raman scattering was studied. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.