Impact of surfactant on the microstructure and preferred orientation of SnO2 nanoparticles synthesized via sol-gel route

Abstract

Metal oxide nanoparticles have potential applications in nanodevices with superior performance since they display novel properties compared to the bulk. The crucial role played by the size and morphology in nanostructure leads to the necessity of controlling these aspects in tuning the final property of the material. In view of this fact, we try to modify the microstructure and morphology of tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles by the addition of a suitable surfactant Isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Nanoparticle without and with the surfactant synthesized by sol gel method from SnCl2.2H2O precursor accompanied by rapid thermal treatment at 600°C for about 2 hours. As obtained SnO2 is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Raman spectroscopy. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) study discloses the tetragonal rutile structure of polycrystalline SnO2 nanoparticles. There is a commendable reduction in crystallite size from 32.2 nm to 16.1 nm accompanied by morphological changes as evident from Field Emission Scanning Electron Micrograph (FESEM). Raman spectra reveal a shift of A1g mode from 625.14 cm¯1 to 622.88 cm¯1 providing evidence of bridging oxygen vacancies.