Synthesis of hierarchical flower-like SnO2 nanostructures and their photocatalytic properties

SnO2 nanostructures were prepared successfully through a template-free and surfactant-free hydrothermal method. The prepared SnO2 nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectra and UV–vis absorption spectra. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated using the degradation of organic dye methyl orange. Furthermore, the possible growth and photodegradation mechanism of the as-prepared sample were also briefly discussed.