Size-controlled synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles by sol–gel method

Tetragonal phase SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by sol–gel method using SnCl2·2H2O and polyethylene glycol (PEG) at different calcination temperatures. The phase, size and purity of the resultant products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis. There exists relationship between the temperature, molecular weight of PEG and particle size. Decreasing the temperature with an increase in molecular weight of PEG caused the reduction of particle size. The results suggest that the calcination temperatures and molecular weight of PEG play a significant role in determining the size of SnO2 nanoparticles synthesized via this method.

► A simple preparation method using sol–gel to produce SnO2 nanoparticles.
► Effect of calcinations temperature and molecular weight of PEG on particle size of SnO2.
► PEG as the gelling medium and stabilizing reagent.
► Production of SnO2 nanoparticles with uniform crystallite size.