Evolution of SnO2 nanoparticles into 3D nanoflowers through crystal growth in aqueous solution and its optical properties

► Na2SnS3 is first used as the tin source for the formation of SnO2 nanoflowers. ► SnO2 nanoflowers were composed of nanorods. ► The controlled release of Sn(OH)62− results in the oriented growth along c-axis. ► The PL peak at 390 nm is weak until the excitation wavelength increases to 335 nm.