Exploring the microstructural and electrical properties of SnO2 nanorods prepared by a widely applicable route

Tin dioxide (SnO2) is a unique functional material with significant technological applications. A good understanding of the microstructure and electronic properties of this material is of fundamental importance in the development of nanodevices. In this paper, SnO2 nanorods were prepared in bulk quantity by a widely applicable route based on reaction processes. Microstructural investigations by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy indicated that these nanorods have the tetragonal rutile form of SnO2, and are structurally perfect and uniform, with widths of 10–25 nm, and lengths of several hundred nanometers to a few micrometers. Electrical measurements by connecting a single SnO2 nanorod in field-effect transistor configuration showed that these nanorods exhibit good electrical properties. The findings indicate that other one-dimensional nanostructural materials may be manipulated by using this simple technique. This work might provide insight into new opportunities for applications as building blocks for nanoelectronics and active sensing materials.