Homogeneous SnO2 core–shell microspheres: Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis, morphology control and photocatalytic properties

A microwave hydrothermal route has been used to synthesize homogenous SnO2 multilayer core–shell microspheres by using carbon microspheres as the template, followed by a calcination process. The effects of both hydrothermal and calcination temperatures on the morphology and photocatalytic properties of SnO2 core–shell microspheres were studied. On the basis of the evolution of the morphology with increasing reaction temperature, a possible formation mechanism of SnO2 core–shell microspheres was proposed. Photocatalytic investigations revealed that the homogenous SnO2 core–shell spheres possessed enhanced photocatalytic activity to organic dyes such as Rhodamine B.