Synthesis and characteristics of SnO2 needle-shaped nanostructures

We have demonstrated the synthesis of needle-shaped tin oxide (SnO2) nanostructures by thermal evaporation of Sn powders. We have characterized the products with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The one-dimensional nanostructures, which gradually becomes thinner to form a sharp tip, appeared to be single crystals and had preferred [1 1 0] growth directions. Photoluminescence spectrum showed the visible light emission.