Abstract
Indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles synthesized by green combustion method using Carica papaya seed extract as a novel fuel and, indium (In) and tin (Sn) as precursor is presented in this paper. Indium nitrate and tin nitrate solution were prepared by dissolving the In ingots and Sn in nitric acid. Carica papaya seed extract was prepared using dried Carica papaya seeds. Carica papaya seed extract along with indium nitrate and tin nitrate solution was heated in muffle furnace at 600 °C for 1 h. The obtained powder was calcinated at 650 °C for 3 h to obtain ITO nanoparticles. The effect of Sn concentration (5%, 10% and 50%) on microstructure, dielectric and ac conductivity of ITO nanoparticles were studied. These properties were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy, thermal gravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC) and computer-controlled impedance analyser. The XRD analysis of synthesized ITO nanoparticles exhibits cubic bixbyite structure with increase in crystallite size from 17 nm to 22 nm as Sn concentration increases. SEM and HRTEM investigations exhibit an increase in grain size as Sn concentration increases. TG-DSC analysis reveals a constant weight in the temperature region 200 to 800 °C. The diffused reflectance spectral studies revealed that the band gap decreases from 3.01 eV to 2.75 eV as Sn concentration increases. The ac conductivity and dc conductivity of ITO nanoparticles was found to increase with increase in Sn concentration and temperature. With improved microstructural properties, higher optical band gap and increased ac conductivity, synthesized ITO nanoparticles with 10% Sn concentration are suitable material for sensor and optoelectronic applications.
Published Version
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