Self catalytic growth of SnO2 branched nanowires by thermal evaporation

For the first time, Tin oxide (SnO2) multiple branched nanowires (NWs) have been synthesized by thermal evaporation of tin (Sn) in presence of oxygen without use of metal catalysts at low substrate temperature of 500 °C. Synthesized product consists of multiple branched nanowires and were single crystalline in nature. Each of the nanowire capped with catalyst particle at their ends. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis on the nanowires and capped nanoparticle confirms that Sn act as catalyst for SnO2 nanowires growth. A self catalytic vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth mechanism was proposed to describe the SnO2 nanowires growth.

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► SnO2 branched nanowires were grown by simple thermal evaporation without catalyst.
► Branched nanowires growth done at low temperature of 500 °C.
► Obtained nanowires were single crystalline in nature.
► Self catalytic VLS growth mechanism was proposed.