Nanoparticle powders of zinc stannate indate spinel (Zn2SnO4) were prepared with a single step process. The first nano-oxides of ZnO and SnO2 were obtained by microwave-assisted combustion of aqueous solution of metal nitrates (as the oxidizer) and urea (as fuel). This method is rapid, effective, cheap and convenient. In this paper, different combinations of fuel to oxidant ratio was used to prepare Zn2SnO4 nanoparticle and its effect on structural, morphological and optical characteristics were investigated using powder X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectra meter and UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy, respectively. The structural parameters were calculated from XRD pattern which confirmed the spinel structure of Zn2SnO4. The SEM investigations evidenced the presence of homogeneous distribution of spherical nanoparticles.

Keywords: Nanoparticles; Zinc stannate; Microwave-assisted combustion synthesis; Optical studies