Sol-gel synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles doped with Zr+4/Cd+2 and Co-doped with F−: Their structural, optical and electrical properties

Abstract

Abstract Some nanoscale particles of SnO2 doped with Zr+4 (1), Zr+4 and co-doped with F− (2), Cd+2 (3) and with Cd+2 and co-doped with F− (4) have been prepared by sol–gel technology in basic medium using SnCl2·2H2O as precursor in isopropanol as solvent. Structural analysis by XRD patterns have shown formation of particles at nanoscale and retention of tetragonal rutile structure in SnO2 network. This fact was further confirmed by 119Sn MAS NMR spectroscopy. SEM images have shown formation of various geometrical patterns. In the IR spectra, O-Sn-O absorption bands appeared at their expected positions. UV–Vis spectroscopy has shown an increase in optical band gap. Photoluminescence spectra of all these derivatives are found to be almost similar, again indicated retention of tetragonal rutile SnO2 framework. I-V curves are non-linear showing schottky contacts in the material.