Electrochemically controlled synthesis and characterization of SnO2 nanostructures on FTO glass substrate

SnO2 nanostructures (NSs) were synthesized by the facile electrochemical deposition combined with a calcination process. The Sn NSs as a precursor were initially formed on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate in an aqueous solution containing tin chloride and hexamethylenetetramine. Under various operational parameters, such as growth temperature, growth time, and concentration, the shape and size of Sn NSs were efficiently tuned. After thermal treatment at 450 °C for 60 min, the as-synthesized Sn NSs were converted into SnO2 NSs without any morphology change. For SnO2 NSs with tunable size and shape, the surface morphology was modified and the light scattering properties were improved compared to the bare FTO glass.

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► SnO2 nanostructures (NSs) were fabricated by two step processes.
► Shape- and size-controlled Sn NSs were used to form tunable SnO2 NSs.
► SnO2 NSs modify the surface morphology.
► The SnO2 NSs/FTO glass exhibited a high light scattering capability.