Exploring the microstructural and electrical properties of SnO₂ nanorods prepared by a widely applicable route

Tin dioxide (SnO₂) is a unique functional material with significant technological applications. A good understanding of the microstructure and electronic properties of this material is of fundamental importance in the development of nanodevices. In this paper, SnO₂ nanorods were prepared in bulk quantity by a widely applicable route based on reaction processes. Microstructural investigations by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy indicated that these nanorods have the tetragonal rutile form of SnO₂, and are structurally perfect and uniform, with widths of 10-25 nm, and lengths of several hundred nanometers to a few micrometers. Electrical measurements by connecting a single SnO₂ nanorod in field-effect transistor configuration showed that these nanorods exhibit good electrical properties. The findings indicate that other one-dimensional nanostructural materials may be manipulated by using this simple technique. This work might provide insight into new opportunities for applications as building blocks for nanoelectronics and active sensing materials. © 2009 Acta Materialia Inc.