Nanoporous anorthic-phase Sn3O4 nanosheets are successfully fabricated via a hydrothermal process without any additives. With the pH value of the precursor increasing from 2.0 to 11.8, the valence of the precursor changes from mixed valence （the ratio of Sn2＋ to Sn4＋ is 2.7： 1） to pure bivalent, and the product transformed from Sn3O4 to SnO mesocrystals. When doping SbC13 to the alkaline precursor, the valence of the precursor shows mixed valence with the ratio of Sn2＋ to Sn4＋ being 2.6： I and Sn3O4 is synthesized after the hydrothermal process. The valence state of Sn species in the precursor is the key factor of the formation of Sn3O4. The synthesis mechanism is discussed and proposed. These experimental results expand the knowledge base that can be used to guide technological applications of intermediate tin oxide materials.
Heterovalent Sn2O3 nanosheets were fabricated via an oxidation annealing process and the formation mechanism was investigated. The temperature required to complete the phase transformation from Sn3O4 to Sn2O3was considered.Two contrasting experiments showed that both oxygen and heating were not necessary conditions for the phase transition.Sn2O3 was formed under an argon protective atmosphere by annealing and could also be obtained at room temperature by exposing Sn3O4 in atmosphere or dispersing in ethanol. The synthesis mechanism was proposed and discussed. This fundamental research is important for the technological applications of intermediate tin oxide materials.
