Self-construction of hollow SnO2 octahedra based on two-dimensional aggregation of nanocrystallites

Abstract

OD→2D→3D oriented attachment has been exploited to prepare octahedra of rutile-like SnO2 with a central cavity by a template-free hydrothermal route. The synthesis is based on the two-dimensional attachment of nanocrystallites and stabilization of a family of {111}-like crystal planes in 2-propanol/water in the presence of ethylenediamine. In TEM images of the octahedron (see picture), the central cavity is evidenced by lighter regions.