Homogeneous SnO₂ core-shell microspheres: Microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis, morphology control and photocatalytic properties

A microwave hydrothermal route has been used to synthesize homogenous SnO₂ multilayer core-shell microspheres by using carbon microspheres as the template, followed by a calcination process. The effects of both hydrothermal and calcination temperatures on the morphology and photocatalytic properties of SnO₂ core-shell microspheres were studied. On the basis of the evolution of the morphology with increasing reaction temperature, a possible formation mechanism of SnO₂ core-shell microspheres was proposed. Photocatalytic investigations revealed that the homogenous SnO ₂ core-shell spheres possessed enhanced photocatalytic activity to organic dyes such as Rhodamine B.