Synthesis of hierarchical flower-like SnO₂ nanostructures and their photocatalytic properties

SnO₂ nanostructures were prepared successfully through a template-free and surfactant-free hydrothermal method. The prepared SnO₂ nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectra and UV-vis absorption spectra. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated using the degradation of organic dye methyl orange. Furthermore, the possible growth and photodegradation mechanism of the as-prepared sample were also briefly discussed.