Characterization and phase formation study of ZnO:Sn nanoparticles synthesized by co-precipitation method

Abstract

ZnO:Sn were successfully prepared by co-precipitation method using zinc acetate dihydrate and tin (IV) chloride hexahydrate as host and dopant precursor sources, respectively. The ratio of Sn doping content in ZnO was designated at 0, 5, 10 and 20 wt.% and calcined at different temperatures at 200, 300, 400 and 500°C. Physical properties and composition of Sn-doped ZnO powder were monitored by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Chemical bonding of as-synthesized powders were investigated by Fourier transform spectroscopy. The preliminary results indicate that the crystallinity and morphologies of ZnO nanoparticle are significantly affected by Sn dopant. The phase formation of Zn-Sn-O was observed depending on the Sn-doping composition and calcination temperature. Meanwhile, FTIR results indicate the existence of mixture phases of ZnO:Sn in the compounds which were obtained via precipitation process. © 2014 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.