Growth of SnO2 nanoparticles via thermal evaporation method

Tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles were fabricated by evaporation of Sn powers at 1000 °C in air pressure. The as-deposited SnO2 particles were single crystal structure, which were mostly spherical shape, the diameter of particles was ranging from 200 to 600 nm. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum showed that a sharp emission peak at around 393 nm with the excitation wavelength at 325 nm, which suggested possible applications in nanoscaled optoelectronic devices. It was also found that the holding time affects the morphology of the products. The formation mechanism of SnO2 particles was discussed.

► The SnO2 nanoparticles synthesized by simple thermal evaporation method.
► The morphology of the products was investigated by different annealing times.
► As-prepared nanoparticles show excellent luminescent properties.
► A possible growth mechanism of SnO2 nanoparticles was discussed.