A simple route to synthesize multiform structures of tin oxide nanobelts and optical properties investigation

Multiform structures of SnO2 nanobelts including of zigzag, branching and straight structures have been synthesized by a simple molten-salt assisted route. The obtained samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The growth mechanism of zigzag nanobelts was proposed. A strong blue emission band centered in 425 nm was observed in the photoluminescence spectrum.