Synthesis of tin oxide nanoparticles by sol–gel process: effect of solvents on the optical properties

Abstract

Tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles were synthesized by the reaction of SnCl4·5H2O in methanol, ethanol and water via sol–gel method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared, Scanning electron microscopy and Transmission electron microscopy. The optical properties of the as-prepared samples were investigated. The XRD analysis showed well crystallized tetragonal SnO2 can be obtained and the crystal sizes were 3.9, 4.5 and 5 nm for the sample calcined at 400 °C for 2 h. It was found that solvents played important roles in the particle size effect of nanocrystalline SnO2.