Synthesis of novel clinopinacoid structure of stannous oxide and hydrogen absorption characteristics

Three dimensional self-assembled clinopinacoid type architectures of stannous oxide (SnO) with a controllable morphology were successfully synthesized via template-free hydrothermal growth method by using SnCl2·2H2O, NH3, and H2O as precursors. The structural, chemical, and physical characteristics were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman microspectroscopy. FESEM results exhibited the distinct clinopinacoid morphology with the apparent size of 10 ~ 14 μm. The XRD results indicated that the clinopinacoid-like structure is comprised of the tetragonal phase SnO with the average crystal size of about 27 nm. Two Raman modes at A1g = 210 cm− 1 and B1g = 114 cm− 1 had further testified the existence of the nano tetragonal phase SnO. The study on hydrogen absorption characteristics of the SnO clinopinacoid-type structure, performed at 373 K, revealed the absorption capacity of about 0.96 wt.%.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Self-assembled SnO clinopinacoid structure was synthesized by hydrothermal method. ► The average size of SnO micro-structure was about 10 ~ 14 μm. ► Raman modes with Raman images of clinopinacoid confirm the single phase structure. ► The hydrogen absorption of synthesized material was 0.96 wt.% comparatively good.