Ag@SnO2 core–shell structure nanocomposites

The synthesis of Ag@SnO2 nanocomposite particles with core–shell morphology has been reported. Ag colloidal particles were synthesized by a well-documented aqueous reduction technique using NaBH4 as reductant, trisodium citrate as a stabilizer and AgClO4 as the source for the Ag4+ ion. The formation of metal oxide shell on the Ag nanoparticles was monitored by the UV–Visible spectroscopy and was confirmed by the TEM images of the resultant core–shell particles. The presence of a SnO2 shell on the silver nanoparticles was also corroborated by XPS results. Optical property of the nanocomposite was investigated by photoluminescence spectroscopy.