Synthesis, characterization and photocatalysis of SnO2 nanorods with large aspect ratios

Single-crystalline SnO2 nanorods with large aspect ratios have been synthesized in poly (ethylene glycol) 200 (PEG-200) medium. The products are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The results indicate that the average diameter and length of the nanorods are 13 nm and 550 nm, respectively, presenting a mean aspect ratio of 42. These SnO2 nanorods show typical rutile phase and exhibit preferential growth along the [1 (1) over bar 2] direction. A proposed mechanism for the formation of SnO2 nanorods has also been discussed. In addition, photocatalytic activity study indicates that the as-prepared SnO2 nanorods present excellent photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). When irradiated by a 300 W high-pressure mercury lamp, the degradation of RhB reaches 100% within 45 min. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.