The invention relates to a preparation method for preparing a SnO2 
nanorod cluster by using a one-step hydrothermal method. The method comprises the following steps: respectively dissolving a stannum source and an alkali in deionized water, dissolving a 
crystal growth guide agent in a 
mixed solution of deionized water and 
ethanol, uniformly mixing the stannum solution and alkali solution, dripping the 
crystal growth guide agent for stirring so as to form Sn(OH)62-
sol; carrying out a 
hydrothermal reaction at the temperature of 120-260 DEG C, so that the 
crystal center grows according to a certain 
crystal orientation; and naturally cooling to 
room temperature after the reaction is ended, filtering, washing, 
drying, thereby obtaining the product. The 
hydrothermal synthesis method disclosed by the invention is low in 
equipment requirement, easy to operate and easy for large-scale production. The various used solvents are 
environmentally friendly, and toxic substances are not produced; and the prepared SnO2 
nanorod cluster has the properties of large specific surface area and high orientation and has wide application prospects in the aspects of catalyst carriers, gas detection, field emission microelectronic devices and 
lithium ion battery electrodes.