Uniform tetragonal-shaped SnO2 nanorods and their urchin-like clusters were successfully synthesized via a template-free hydrothermal process. The resulting nanorods were characterized by power X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), infrared absorption spectra (IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectra. The influence of precursor, solvent, hydrothermal temperature and treatment time on the formation of SnO2 nanostructures was investigated. Moreover, the surface properties of SnO2 nanorods were studied. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.