The synthesis of crystalline SnO2 whiskers via a metalorganic chemical vapor deposition process

Abstract

We demonstrate the synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) structures of tin oxide (SnO2) by a reaction of a tetramethyltin (Sn(CH3)4)) and oxygen (O2) mixture at 800 °C. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the morphology of the products was changed by varying the growth temperature. 1D and 2D structures were favored at 800 and 600 °C, respectively. We suggest the associated mechanisms by which the temperature controlled the morphology. X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed that the products contained elements of Sn and O. X-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction, and lattice-resolved transmission electron microscopy indicated that the SnO2 obtained were crystalline with a tetragonal structure. The Raman spectra exhibited three normal interior phonon modes corresponding to the tetragonal rutile SnO2 structure. The intensity of yellow photoluminescence emission increased with an increasing growth temperature in the range of 700-800 °C.