Template-Free Synthesis of One-Dimensional SnO2 Nanostructures Using Highly Efficient Hydrothermal Method

One-dimensional (1D) SnO2 nanostructures, as n-type semiconductors with a wide band gap, exhibit unique photoelectric properties that offer potential applications in electronic, photoelectric, gas sensing, and energy generation devices. A detailed study of template-free reaction systems is essential to regulate and efficiently synthesise 1DSnO(2) nanostructures. This study employed the hydrothermal method to prepare 1DSnO(2) nanostructures, with SnCl4 center dot 5H(2)O as the tin source. The impact of various experimental conditions on SnO2 morphology is analysed. Here, 1DSnO(2) nanostructures were characterised by analytical methods such as X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and field emission double-beam electron microscopy. The results confirmed the formation of 1DSnO(2) nanostructures with a mixed morphology of nanorods and nanowires. The nanorods exhibited a length of 422.87 +/- 110.15 nm, a width of 81.4 +/- 16.75 nm, and an aspect ratio of 5:1, whereas the nanowires displayed a length of 200 +/- 45.24 nm, a width of 15 +/- 5.62 nm, and an aspect ratio of 13:1. With the addition of 50 mg of polyvinylpyrrolidone and seed crystal, the acquisition time of the 1DSnO(2) nanostructures decreased from 48 to 12 h. The 1DSnO(2) nanostructures were efficiently obtained without a template, laying the foundation for large-scale production and application.

Automated summary

Template-free reaction systems are essential for regulating and efficiently synthesizing 1D SnO2 nanostructures. In this study, 1D SnO2 nanostructures were prepared using the hydrothermal method with SnCl4·5H2O as the tin source.Characterization using various analytical methods confirmed the formation of mixed morphology 1D SnO2 nanostructures consisting of nanorods and nanowires. The addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone and seed crystal decreased the acquisition time of the 1D SnO2 nanostructures from 48 to 12 hours.