Size dependent photocatalytic activities of rod-shape SnO2 nanocrystals

Various rod-shape SnO2 nanocrystals of different sizes and shapes were synthesized to study the desirable morphology for photocatalytic applications. An optimal apparent photocatalytic rate constant of 0.0809/min−1 was achieved for smaller SnO2 nanorods with diameter of ∼2.9 nm and with length of ∼9.3 nm, which is attributed to suitable nanostructures and high crystallinity. Photocatalytic activities as a function of growth and evolution of SnO2 nanorods are revealed.