Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of novel Sn₂O₃ hierarchical nanostructures

We report the successful synthesis of novel Sn₂O₃ with hierarchical 3D nanostructures via a facile hydrothermal method for the first time. The as-prepared Sn₂O₃ products transform into SnO₂ after calcinations (800 °C) and a simultaneous TGA and DSC analysis of the as-prepared Sn₂O₃ sample determines that the main increment of mass takes place in the temperature range 534-800 °C. The well-defined nanostructures are composed of thin nanosheets. The growth mechanisms are also discussed by observing the morphology revolution at various reaction times. Furthermore, the oxidation states of the Sn₂O₃ hierarchical nanostructures are confirmed by the shape analysis of corresponding XPS O 1s and Sn 3d peaks using the decomposition procedure.