Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline SnO2 powder

Nanocrystalline SnO2 powder has been synthesized via direct precipitation method starting from Sn, HNO3, HCl, and NH4OH. Thermal properties, crystal structural and morphological properties of the precursor and SnO2 powder were investigated using simultaneous thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that the precursor was SnO2 rather than Sn(OH)(2) or Sn(OH)(4). On the basis of the precursor, well crystallized SnO2 powder with 4-5 nm in diameter was obtained, after calcined at 350 degrees C for 2 h.