Template-Free Synthesis of One-Dimensional SnO[sub.2] Nanostructures Using Highly Efficient Hydrothermal Method

One-dimensional (1D) SnO[sub.2] 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[sub.2] nanostructures. This study employed the hydrothermal method to prepare 1DSnO[sub.2] nanostructures, with SnCl[sub.4]·5H[sub.2]O as the tin source. The impact of various experimental conditions on SnO[sub.2] morphology is analysed. Here, 1DSnO[sub.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[sub.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[sub.2] nanostructures decreased from 48 to 12 h. The 1DSnO[sub.2] nanostructures were efficiently obtained without a template, laying the foundation for large-scale production and application.