Biotemplate-directed assembly of porous SnO2 nanoparticles into tubular hierarchical structures

A simple, green and versatile route has been developed for the fabrication of hierarchical SnO2 via a soaking technique combined with a calcination treatment. The biomaterial eggshell membrane (ESM) is used as the template, and Sn(NO3)4 solution acts as the impregnant. As-prepared SnO2 nanoparticles assemble into tubular fibers, and further array into porous hierarchical meshworks to faithfully retain the morphology of the natural ESM. The sintering temperature has a significant effect on the morphology and surface pore-size distribution of the target material.