Antimony-doped Tin Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

High-performance composite transparent electrode composed of ultra-long silver nanowires and antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles

Composite transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) consisting of silver nanowires (AgNWs) and conductive metal oxides are very promising for flexible optoelectronic devices due to their smooth surface morphology and high chemical stability. However, it is still challenging to ensure high optoelectronic performance and long-term stability in practical applications. Here, we solved these problems by coating antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles dispersion on ultra-long AgNWs network using waterborne polyurethane (WPU) binder. Ultra-long nanowires occupy less wire-wire junctions and space than short nanowires, thus increasing the optoelectronic performance and flexibility of the composite TCE. WPU improves the adhesion and stability of ATO nanoparticles to the substrate and AgNWs network. The fabricated composite TCE showed a low sheet resistance of 11.9 Ω sq−1, good optical transmittance of 83% at 550 nm and a figure of merit (FOM) of 162 compared to PET/ITO electrode. It also showed excellent mechanical flexibility, adhesion to the substrate and solvent stability. Furthermore, the long-term conductivity was maintained under ambient conditions for 60 days.

Mixed iridium-nickel oxides supported on antimony-doped tin oxide as highly efficient and stable acidic oxygen evolution catalysts

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis represents a promising technology for green hydrogen production, but its widespread deployment is greatly hindered by the indispensable usage of platinum group metal catalysts, especially iridium (Ir) based materials for the energy-demanding oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we report a new sequential precipitation approach to the synthesis of mixed Ir-nickel (Ni) oxy-hydroxide supported on antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles (IrNi y O x /ATO, 20 wt.% (Ir + Ni), y = 0, 1, 2, and 3), aiming to reduce the utilisation of scarce and precious Ir while maintaining its good acidic OER performance. When tested in strongly acidic electrolyte (0.1 M HClO4), the optimised IrNi1O x /ATO shows a mass activity of 1.0 mA µgIr −1 and a large turnover frequency of 123 s−1 at an overpotential of 350 mV, as well as a comparatively small Tafel slope of 50 mV dec−1, better than the IrO x /ATO control, particularly with a markedly reduced Ir loading of only 19.7 µgIr cm−2. Importantly, IrNi1O x /ATO also exhibits substantially better catalytic stability than other reference catalysts, able to continuously catalyse acidic OER at 10 mA cm−2 for 15 h without obvious degradation. Our in-situ synchrotron-based x-ray absorption spectroscopy confirmed that the Ir3+/Ir4+ species are the active sites for the acidic OER. Furthermore, the performance of IrNi1O x /ATO was also preliminarily evaluated in a membrane electrode assembly, which shows better activity and stability than other reference catalysts. The IrNi1O x /ATO reported in this work is a promising alternative to commercial IrO2 based catalysts for PEM electrolysis.

Pure and Antimony-doped Tin Oxide Nanoparticles for Fluorescence Sensing and Dye Degradation Applications.

Luminescent antimony doped tin oxide nanoparticles have drawn tremendous attention from researchers due to its low cost, chemical inertness and stability. Herein, a quick, facile and economic hydrothermal/solvothermal method was utilized for the preparation of antimony doped (1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 10%) tin oxide nanoparticles. The antimony doping in a reasonable range can change the properties of SnO2. As such, a lattice distortion increases with increase in doping, which is evidenced through crystallographic studies. It was found that the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency of malachite green (MG) dye of about 80.86% was achieved with 10% Sb-doped SnO2 in aqueous media due to small particle size. Moreover, 10% Sb-doped SnO2 also showed the highest fluorescence quenching efficiency of about 27% for Cd2+ of concentration 0.11µg/ml in the drinking water. The limit of detection (LOD) comes out as 0.0152µg/ml. This sample selectively detected the cadmium ion even in the presence of other heavy metal ions. Notably, 10% Sb-doped SnO2 could appeared as a promising sensor for fast analysis of Cd2+ ions in real samples.

Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of ATO Nanoparticles Synthesized by Combustion Method

Antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles (1,2 and 3 wt%) were green synthesized by combustion method using Terminalia bellirica (T. Bellirica) seed extract as a fuel, stannous chloride and antimony trichloride as precursor. The microstructural, optical and electrical properties of synthesized ATO nanoparticles were investigated using XRD, SEM, FTIR, UV–Vis and computer-controlled impedance analyser. XRD analysis of green synthesized ATO nanoparticles exhibit tetragonal structure. SEM investigation shows granular structure of nanoparticles. FTIR studies confirm the formation of ATO nanoparticles. The optical band gap was found using diffused reflectance spectral studies. AC conductivity is studied as function of frequency using impedance analyzer. The improved microstructural, optical and electrical properties of 2 wt% ATO nanoparticles was used for SO2 gas sensing application by pellet technique. SO2 gas sensing studies were carried out using pellet of 2 wt% ATO nanoparticles and sensing response of 16% was obtained for 3.2 ppm of SO2 gas concentration.

VO2/ATO nanocomposite thin films with enhanced solar modulation and high luminous transmittance for smart windows

Developing an economic, facile strategy to prepare high-efficiency VO2-based thin films is critical to thermochromic smart windows. It is still challenging to simultaneously achieve high luminous transmittance (Tlum) and large solar modulation (ΔTsol). In this paper, the composites of VO2 nanoparticles and antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles are prepared to significantly boost the overall performances of the films. As compared with pristine VO2, the Tlum value of the composite films is substantially increased from 30.91% to 84.35% by 170%, while a suitable ΔTsol value of 11.57% is almost maintained. Furthermore, an optimized overall performance of Tlum (60.14%) and ΔTsol (20%) is achieved. The excellent optical properties are closely related with the dispersive small particles and widened optical band gap. The results provide an effective strategy for enhanced performances of smart windows.

Cellulose-derived solid-solid phase change thermal energy storage membrane with switchable optical transparency

Switchable optical transparency is an intrinsic property for solid–liquid phase change materials (PCMs) during phase change processes. However, due to non-transparent porous confinement materials and core-shell structures, the synthesis of shape-stabled PCMs typically sacrifices their switchable optical transparency. Here, we present a copolymerization-induced shape-stabilization strategy that uses cellulose 10-undecenoyl ester (CUE) as a polymer-based crosslinker and a variety of alkyl acrylates (AAs) as phase change monomers to produce solid–solid phase change membranes (CUE-AAs) with high efficient thermal energy storage and excellent thermo-reversible optical transparency. These as-prepared CUE-AAs membranes present excellent switchable optical transparency from approximately below 5% to over 90% during phase change processes, and the responsive temperature of the transparency could be tailored in the range of 23–67 °C by using different AAs. Furthermore, three kinds of n-alkanes including hexadecane, octadecane, and docosane were physically entrapped in the CUE-AAs cross-linked networks to enhance the thermal energy storage performance, leading to a maximum melting enthalpy of up to 166.5 J/g. Moreover, the introduction of surface modified antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles significantly improved the light-to-thermal conversion effect, endowing the resulted membranes with high potential in application as thermal management material. Thus, the diverse properties of these CUE-AAs based PCMs, such as excellent thermo-reversible optical transparency, high thermal energy storage performance, remarkable photo-thermal storage efficiency, and high thermal stability, made them suitable for a wide range of applications, including intelligent optical devices and solar energy storage devices.

Photoinduced-reset and multilevel storage transistor memories based on antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles floating gate

Recently, antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles (ATO NPs) have been widely used in the fields of electronics, photonics, photovoltaics, sensing, and other fields because of their good conductivity, easy synthesis, excellent chemical stability, high mechanical strength, good dispersion and low cost. Herein, for the first time, a novel nonvolatile transistor memory device is fabricated using ATO NPs as charge trapping sites to enhance the memory performance. The resulting organic nano-floating gate memory (NFGM) device exhibits outstanding memory properties, including tremendous memory window (∼85 V), superhigh memory on/off ratio (∼109), long data retention (over 10 years) and eminent multilevel storage behavior, which are among the optimal performances in NFGM devices based on organic field effect transistors. Additionally, the device displays photoinduced-reset characteristic with low energy consumption erasing operation. This study provides novel avenues for the manufacture of simple and low-cost data storage devices with outstanding memory performance, multilevel storage behavior and suitability as platforms for integrated circuits.

Mechanical reinforcement course of 3D printed polypropylene–antimony doped Tin Oxide nanocomposites versus filler loading

Three-dimensional (3D) printed polypropylene (PP) structures mechanically reinforced with antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles (NPs) at various concentrations were developed and fully characterized. Nanocomposite filaments were produced by an optimized melt mixing and extrusion process, utilized as feedstock for the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) of specimens. Samples were 3D printed and assessed via mechanical, viscoelastic, physicochemical, and fractographic characterizations. Raman spectroscopy verified the polymer structure and the incorporated ATO nanocrystallites in the polymer matrix. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) of the nanocomposite extruded filaments revealed the nanoscale roughness induced by the ATO NPs. All nanocomposite 3D printed structures exhibited enhanced mechanical performance. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) revealed a stiffening mechanism for the nanocomposites, agreeing with the static tests. This work demonstrates that commercially available PP reinforced with ATO NPs, maybe a solution for applications requiring enhanced material’s static and dynamic mechanical properties.

Study of charge transfer effect in Surface-Enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) by using Antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles as substrates with tunable optical band gaps and free charge carrier densities

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been applied in many fields, but still has the limitation of widespread applications on semiconductor substrates. In this work, a series of antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method and were used as SERS substrates for the first time. Interestingly, a charge transfer (CT) effect was revealed between the probing molecules of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) and the substrates of ATO NPs, which accounts for the SERS enhancement and shows dependence to the Sb ions doping ratios in ATO NPs. By considering the energy level diagram of the ATO–MBA complexes and the doping theory of semiconductors, this phenomenon is believed to connect to the variance of the optical band gap energy (Eg), which is accompanied with the changes of free charge carrier densities in conduction bands (CBs) of ATO NPs due to different doping contents. The study of the Eg- or free-charge-carrier-density-dependent property of the semiconductor-based SERS provides a new point of view for the development of new semiconductor SERS substrates and also contributes to the SERS CT mechanism.

Synthesis and characterization of composite conductive powders prepared by Sb-SnO2-coated coal gasification fine slag porous microbeads

In the present paper, the synthesis of composite conductive powders of coal gasification fine slag porous microbeads (CMs) coated with antimony-doped tin oxide (Sb-SnO2) by chemical deposition was reported. It was found that CMs were coated with well-crystallized and uniform antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles (ATCM), and the volume resistivity of ATCM powders reached 2.60 × 103 Ω·cm with an average particle size of 18.3 μm. The effects of calcination temperature and time on the resistivity of ATCM were studied. It was found that the effects of calcination conditions on volume resistivity could be attributed to a coaction of the changes in the valence state and concentration of Sb, the crystal integrity of Sb-SnO2 and the agglomeration degree on the surface. For doping, the extension of calcination time could improve the number of carriers, while the calcination temperature affected the resistivity of ATCM due to surface segregation.

Visible and infrared optical modulation of PSLC smart films doped with ATO nanoparticles.

In recent years, smart windows have been gradually applied and developed in the fields of environmental protection, energy management, smart camouflage and display. With the continuous upgrading of market demand, smart windows with both visible and infrared band modulation functions are the future development trends. However, the optical modulation of smart windows is usually limited in the visible light band (380-780 nm). In this paper, we report a novel smart window by doping antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles (NPs) into polymer stabilized liquid crystal (PSLC) films. These films have the widest waveband modulation function among those reported so far, covering the visible and infrared regions (380-5500 nm). The transmittance of the as-prepared smart films can be changed reversibly from highly transparent (78.5%) state to a strong light scattering (10%) state in the visible region. In addition, due to the localized surface plasmon resonance of ATO NPs, up to 80.7% of the infrared invisible light can be effectively shielded. The significance of this research is to provide theoretical and technical support for the broadband optical modulation of novel smart windows.

Dopant-induced cationic bivalency in hierarchical antimony-doped tin oxide nano-particles for room-temperature SO2sensing

Antimony doping in tin oxide triggered generation of tin bivalency and it is the variation in ratio of 2+ and 4+ states of tin that determines the efficiency of room temperature SO2sensing.

Thermoplastic polyurethane conjugated antimony doped tin oxide nanocomposite for enhanced electrical and thermal conductivity

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites are significant as they offer a variety of applications depending on the incorporated fillers. Herein, doubly filled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) based composites were studied for their improved electrical and thermal conductivity upon the addition of MWCNT and antimony doped tin oxide nanoparticles. By the addition of conducting fillers the electrical conductivity of TPU blends improved to semiconductor range 10 °S/cm. The highest recorded value of thermal conductivity 0.36 W/m × K at 10 phr of MWCNTs/ATOs (70:30) is due to higher dispersion, crystallinity, degree of interfacial thermal contact between the components, and scattering of phonons. Keeping in view its applications in electronic components we focus on the development of composites in the semiconductor range of S/cm value for electrical conductivity. Thermal stability, Tm and Tc of TPU/MWCNTS/ATOs composites increased due to the improved dispersion of MWCNTs and ATOs in TPU matrix. Morphological studies show, that increase of ATOs share in the fillers mixture up to 50 % supports homogeneous dispersion of the fillers. There was only a small decrease in electrical conductivity observed at medium ATOs percentage, which makes these composites highly cost effective. With 70:30 ratio of MWCNTs and ATOs the cost of the filler phase drops down without marked decrease in electrical conductivity. Such nanocomposites would be highly cost-effective for applications in flexible electronic displays.

Electrospinning of Antimony Doped Tin Oxide Nanoparticle Dispersion for Transparent and Conductive Films

Electrospinning of Antimony Doped Tin Oxide Nanoparticle Dispersion for Transparent and Conductive Films

Mesoporous iridium oxide/Sb-doped SnO2 nanostructured electrodes for polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis

In proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis, iridium oxide (IrO2) has often been utilized as a main catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) as a rate-determining step. In general, the performance of PEM water electrolysis is dominantly affected by the specific surface area and the porous structure of the IrO2 catalyst. Thus, in this study, IrO2 and antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanostructures with high specific surface areas were synthesized through the Adams fusion method. The as-prepared samples showed well-defined porous high-crystalline nanostructures. The ATO nanoparticles as a support were surrounded by IrO2 nanoparticles as a catalyst without serious agglomeration, indicating that the IrO2 catalyst was uniformly distributed on the ATO support. Compared to pure IrO2, the IrO2/ATO mixture electrodes showed superior OER properties because of their increased electrochemical active sites.

PREPARATION AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF ANTIMONY-DOPED TIN OXIDE NANOPARTICLES BY TWO VARIOUS MODIFIED COPRECIPITATION METHODS

This paper describes the synthesis and electrical properties of antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles by precipitate-modified coprecipitation and solution-modified coprecipitation starting from different amounts of nitric acid and ethanol as modified additives. The aim of this study was to decrease the electrical resistivity of antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles and determine the relationship between the crystalline size and electrical properties. Results indicated that all samples revealed the existence of tetragonal antimony-substituted SnO2 crystals. Antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles were 4.6–5.8 nm in diameter depending on both the amounts of nitric acid and ethanol as well as coprecipitation methods. The electrical resistivity changed dramatically from 0.86 [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm to 0.31 [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm depending on the amounts of nitric acid and ethanol as well as coprecipitation methods. Interestingly, the smaller the ratio between the crystal size calculated according to (110) plane and the crystal size calculated according to (101) plane was, the smaller the electrical resistivity of antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles was achieved as a function of the amounts of nitric acid and ethanol as well as coprecipitation methods.

Spectral selectivity and stability of energy-saving window films based on poly(vinyl chloride) reinforced with ATO nanoparticles

Near infrared shielding films that are based on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) nanocomposites are developed. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of types and concentrations of ATO on the optical, thermo-mechanical and heat insulation properties of PVC composite films. By increasing the concentration of ATO, the tensile stress of the composite films increased at the expense of their percentage spectral transmittance. When silane-treated ATO powder was used as a replacement for neat ATO, the tensile modulus of the composite films improved. After carrying out an accelerated weathering (QUV) test for 960 h, the percentage transmittance through the PVC composite films showed very little change. Neither dehydrochlorination nor chain scission occurred during the QUV test. Finally, after being exposed to solar irradiation, the temperature behind the glass window coated with PVC/ATO film dropped by 12.5 °C compared to that of the bare glass system.

Facile bioactive yeast cell templated synthesis of laser stealth antimony doped tin oxide hollow microspheres

Hollow antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) microspheres with a diameter of 2.0–3.0 μm and ellipsoidal morphology were successfully prepared through a co-precipitation route. The prepared ATO microspheres possessed more Sb5+ and 73.5 m2 g−1 specific surface area. These ATO hollow microspheres showed a widened infrared absorption phenomenon in the infrared band of 850–2000 nm. The near-infrared reflection was obviously lower than ATO nanoparticles. Additionally, the reflectance of ATO hollow microspheres was approximately 7% at 1064 nm, indicating better laser reflection properties.

Antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles as peroxidase mimics for paper-based colorimetric detection of glucose using smartphone read-out.

Antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles (ATO NPs) were loaded on a filter paper where they act as a peroxidase mimic without electrochemical or photochemical assistance. The peroxidase mimicking activity is distinctly improved compared to most known nanomaterials and to natural horseradish peroxidase. The catalytic properties depend on the amount of antimony doped into the ATO NPs. A glucose assay was worked out that is based on (a) the oxidation of glucose by glucose oxidase under formation of H2O2, (b) the oxidation of 3,3,5,5-tetramethybenzidine (TMB) catalyzed by ATO NPs to form blue-green colored oxidized TMB on the surface of the paper. The coloration was analyzed with a smartphone. The method has a 21μM limit of detection and a linear range that extends from 0.5 to 80mM. Graphical abstract Antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles (ATO NPs) combined with 3,3,5,5-tetramethybenzidine (TMB) and triethylamine were coated on the filter paper. After addition of sample solution, the blue-green colored oxidized TMB was generated and recorded by a digital camera.

Preparation of ATO-incorporated composite latex with tailored structure and controllable size for highly spectrum-selective applications

We report a low-cost approach for fabricating highly transparent and infrared-shielding coatings by miniemulsion polymerization (MEP). Synthesis of ATO-incorporated composite latex with tailored structure was performed in a controlled manner by optimizing the process conditions via modified MEP. Antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles (NPs) were functionalized with 3-methacryloxy propyl trimethoxysilane (MPS) to improve the crosslinking between ATO NPs and polymers via MEP. ATO-incorporated composite MANs/poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) (MANs/poly(MMA-co-BA)) latex was obtained by polymerizing ATO-incorporated composite latex with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA). Investigations revealed homogeneous distribution of ATO NPs in the composite (MANs/poly(MMA-co-BA)) latex owing to the better cross-linking with poly(MMA-co-BA). The spectral selectivity of the MANs/poly(MMA-co-BA) composite film was determined by ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (UV–Vis-NIR) spectroscopy. Interestingly, MANs/poly(MMA-co-BA) films exhibited stronger NIR-shielding properties by blocking up to 70% of NIR radiation in the range of 780–2500 nm while maintaining better visible light transparency of >80%. The results demonstrated that the prepared MANs/poly(MMA-co-BA) latex can be used as a spectrum-selective coating for next-generation transparent and IR-shielding materials.