A systematic study of the nitridation of SnO2 nanowires grown by the vapor liquid solid mechanism

► SnO2 nanowires with diameters of 50 nm and lengths of tens of micrometers have been grown at 800 °C. ► The nitridation of SnO2 nanowires has been promoted using Sn and NH4Cl at 400-500 °C. ► SnO2 nanowires maintain their integrity and do not decompose into Sn. ► The complete conversion of SnO2 to Sn3N4 was not achieved. ► A SnO2/Sn3N4 core-shell structure is most likely obtained.