Effect of Fe3O4 on morphology of Fe-SnO2 hyperbranched heterostructures

Our results suggest that growth of tetrapodal assembly takes place as per the vapor-liquid-solid progression. Such structures grow in two steps; initially, growth of Fe core takes place from Fe3O4 source which acts as nucleating site for the SnO2 growth on its surface. Moreover, the composition of Fe/Sn source and temperature are found to have key roles in governing the morphology. XPS studies clearly demonstrate the presence of Fe species, which acts as a catalyst enabling nucleating sites for SnO2 microstructural growth.