Solvothermal synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles via oxidation of Sn2+ ions at the water–oil interface

Tetragonal phase SnO2 nanoparticles were prepared via oxidation of Sn2+ ions at the water–oil interface in the solvothermal process and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), absorption spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Compared with the SnO2 nanoparticles prepared from the conventional method, such as the sol–gel method, the present product possesses relatively high crystallinity and narrow size distribution due to existence of the water/oil interface. The evolution of the SnO2 morphology from smaller nanoparticles via nano-sheets to larger nanoparticles was observed by prolonging the reaction time. Moreover, the effect of the oil phase on the morphology of the products was also explored.