Sb-doped SnO2 nanoparticles synthesized by sonochemical-assisted precipitation process

Abstract

Sb-doped SnO2 nanopowders were synthesized by sonochemical-assisted precipitation process using stannic chloride pentahydrate (SnCl4 · 5H2O) and antimony chloride (SbCl3) as starting precursors. Effect of sonication and Sb doping concentrations on physical structures and electrical properties of Sb-doped SnO2 nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and two-point probe method. The results indicated that the good dispersion with less agglomeration of particles in SnO2 phase can be obtained by single step sonochemical-assisted process. Moreover, XRD results indicated that the crystallinity of Sb-doped SnO2 nanopowders deteriorated with increasing Sb content, suggesting that Sb dopant significantly prevent SnO2 crystallite growth. The XPS spectra of Sb-doped SnO2 obviously confirmed the existence of Sb ion incorporated into SnO2 matrix. These results revealed that incorporation of Sb ions into SnO2 lattice with specific concentration has significant influence on formation and crystallization and can dramatically enhance the conductivity of tin oxide.