Branched structures of tin oxide one-dimensional nanomaterials

Branched structures of SnO2 one-dimensional nanomaterials have been successfully fabricated via a novel multi-step process. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the SnO2 branches, which sprouted from the SnO2 stems, had diameters in the range of 30–120 nm. X-ray diffraction, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area diffraction pattern revealed that the branches were single crystalline rutile SnO2 structures. Room temperature photoluminescence spectrum of the branched product exhibited visible light emission. We suggested that a Au-catalyzed vapor–liquid–solid growth mechanism was responsible for the growth of SnO2 branches on the SnO2 stems.