Different configurationsof Sn-SnO₂ core-shell nanostructures, including nanowire, nanocable and pea-pod,have been synthesizedviaone-step vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth mechanism.Systemic study for controlling varieties Sn-SnO₂ core-shell nanostructures is carried through tuning temperature, size and amount of Au film / nanoparticles, ambient and growth time. In-situheating TEM was used to help us to investigate the growth mechanism, thermal stability andthermal expansion behaviors of the core-shell nanostructures. Meanwhile, the fact that Sn core has a high value of thermal expansion coefficient (TEC), and the TEC of the SnO₂shell layer is relatively low can be revealed. Thermal expansion of Sn core property appears linear in the temperature region from 250 ^oC to 750 ^oC.In addition, a growth model of this kind of heterostructure nanostructures could be proposed and help to developed others nanomaterials.