Antimony-doped Tin Oxide Particles Research Articles

Salting-out/sacrificial template strategy for the preparation of hydrogels as efficient solar evaporators

Hydrogels have recently emerged as promising solar evaporators due to their exceptional high evaporation rates. However, the high costs and complexity associated with the conventional freezing-thawing processes pose challenges that hinder their widespread application in large-scale solar evaporation systems. Herein, we present the successful attempt to prepare hydrogel-based solar evaporators using a salting-out/sacrificial template strategy, where salt particles serve as both salting-out agents and sacrificial templates. Without the need for freezing processes, we successfully synthesized polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels, incorporating copper oxide and antimony-doped tin oxide particles as solar absorbers. It is demonstrated that the salting-out (Hofmeister) effect enables the cross-linking of PVA polymeric chains, imparting significant mechanical strength and durability to the hydrogels. Meanwhile, the use of salt particles as sacrificial templates creates well-developed microchannels of 100–300 μm within the hydrogels, enabling rapid water delivery. These hydrogels exhibited a solar-weighted absorptivity of 93.4 % and achieved solar evaporation rates exceeding 3.0 kg m-2h−1 under one-sun illumination. Notably, their performance is comparable to that of state-of-the-art hydrogels prepared using freezing-thawing methods. As such, this proposed strategy holds great promise for the large-scale and cost-effective production of hydrogels as high-performance solar evaporators.

Evaluation of a surface roughness-dependent trimodal switchable mirror using a dry deposition method

We used a nanoparticle deposition system (NPDS) to fabricate surface roughness-dependent trimodal switchable mirrors using a non-electrochromic antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) film with dry-deposited micro- and nano-sized ATO particles. The devices switched among transparent, mirror and black states. Reversible Ag electrodeposition onto flat ITO glass and the rough surface of the ATO film obviated the need for an electrochromic material. NPDS creates very rough films by supersonically spraying powder onto a substrate. The roughness of the micro-sized ATO film was greater than that of the nano-sized ATO film. As both films were sufficiently rough, a completely black state could be achieved by both devices (0% transmittance over the entire visible wavelength), attributable to light scattering. In contrast, the electrochemical properties of devices with the micro-sized ATO film were superior to those of devices using the nano-sized ATO film because the greater roughness increased the active surface. The charge transfer resistance of devices with the micro-sized film (38 Ω) was lower than that of devices with the nano-sized film (44 Ω). The charge capacity of devices with the micro-sized film (109.87 mC/cm2) was much higher than that of devices with the nano-sized (95.59 mC/cm2). The cyclic transmittance of the device using the micro-sized ATO film was evaluated over 500 cycles with 0% diminution for its durability. Therefore, a trimodal switchable mirror was demonstrated by controlling the surface roughness of a non-electrochromic film. • Dry deposition of particles can control surface roughness of the film. • Trimodal switchable mirror was achieved successfully without electrochromic film. • The electrode with rough surface forms complete black state by light scattering. • Performance of switchable mirror device was compared depending on surface roughness.

Antimony-doped tin oxide embedding graphene-based aerogel for infrared barriering

A hybrid three-dimensional network structure was composed by the electrostatic-driven self-assembly via sol-gel method, which contained antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) particles and graphene oxide aerogel (GOA). Absorbing and scattering near-infrared light composite of reduced graphene oxide aerogel/antimony-doped tin oxide (rGOA/ATO) was obtained by subsequent CO2 supercritical drying and calcination treatment in flowing nitrogen. Characterization of the as-prepared samples were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, ultraviolet visible near infrared spectroscopy (UV–VIS–NIR) and compressive stress. The radiation attenuation characteristics of composite materials were investigated in the near-infrared range at room temperature. The results showed that the ATO particles were well dispersed onto graphene oxide (GO) sheets, leading to the enhanced absorbing and scattering performance of radiative near-infrared. Consequently, the prepared rGOA/ATO hybrid materials showed the excellent radiation infrared barriering properties.

Synthesis, characterization and electrical properties of TiO2 modified with SiO2 and antimony-doped tin oxide

The composite with high electrical conductivity have been successfully synthesized by the modification of TiO2 with SiO2 and antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO). X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy were employed to characterize the crystal phase and surface morphology. The results revealed that the SiO2 was of amorphous and TiO2 after modification presented a core−shell structure with the shell thickness about 15−17 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that the SiO2 and ATO particles were well anchored on the surface of TiO2 by the Ti–O–Si and Si–O–Sn bonds. The volume resistivity of the TiO2/SiO2–ATO composite could reach 2.3 Ω cm when the SiO2 content was 10 wt%, which was one-third of the TiO2/ATO composite.

A novel core-shell silica@graphene straticulate structured antistatic anticorrosion composite coating

A novel antistatic anticorrosion composite coating was designed. The conductive core-shell straticulate structured silica@graphene and antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) were introduced in the waterborne epoxy coating to significantly decrease electrical resistivity. Reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-encapsulated functionalized silica hybrids (f-SiO2@RGO) were fabricated from sodium borohydride reduction of electrostatically assembled f-SiO2@GO hybrids with the help of silane coupling agent. The morphologies, the corrosion resistance and the antistatic properties were investigated. In the ATO + f-SiO2@RGO/epoxy coating, the f-SiO2@RGO sheets were evenly dispersed in coating, forming unique core-shell straticulate structure that effectively prevented the penetration of electrolyte, and constructed a conductive network at the coating-tinplate. The results showed that the antistatic and the anticorrosive performances of ATO + f-SiO2@RGO/epoxy coating were significantly enhanced as compared with the addition of 5% other fillers in coating, which includes the same amount of ATO. This superior core-shell f-SiO2@RGO straticulate structure and ATO particles, with their prominent conductivity, can make full use of the enhancement effect of different components and thus endow waterborne epoxy coatings with outstanding corrosion resistance and antistatic properties overall.

Synthesis and characterization of antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles with high conductivity using a facile ammonia-diffusion co-precipitation method

Antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nano particles were synthesized by a diffusion co-precipitation method using ethanol as a solvent in the ammonia atmosphere created by ammonium carbonate and they were annealed at 600°C. Different doping amount of antimony and concentration of ethanol were used to investigate their effect on the conductivity and morphology of the obtained ATO powders. The results showed that the optimal experimental parameters to obtain ATO with high conductivity should be that the molar ratio of antimony and tin was 0.07:1 while the concentration of ethanol was 100%. Under these conditions, the size of the obtained nano ATO particles was in a range of 5–10nm, their average size was 9.43nm and their yield was nearly 80%. The highest conductivity obtained was 8S/cm. Additionally, the reaction mechanism to form the ATO precursor was discussed in this study.

Thermal aging on ethylene–propylene–diene rubber composites reinforced by samarium oxide, samarium borate and Sb in Sb doped SnO2

Ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) rubber composites reinforced with 50 phr samarium oxide (Sm2O3), samarium borate (SmBO3) and Sb in antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) are aged at 150°C for different intervals. It is found that neutral Sm2O3 and alkaline SmBO3 can retard the oxidative degradation of EPDM by blocking radical passage. The acidic ATO particles can accelerate the oxidative degradation of EPDM. The trend of tensile strength of EPDM composites is consistent with that of cross-link density of EPDM composites. SmBO3 and ATO can retard the increase of dielectric loss until 10 days of aging, while Sm2O3 can keep the dielectric loss at low level until 14 days of aging. The increased surface charge of filler can make surface and volume resistivity decrease sharply. Antimony doped tin oxide can deteriorate the dielectric strength of EPDM, while SmBO3 and Sm2O3 can keep the dielectric strength of EPDM at a constant level.

Spark Plasma Sintering and Densification Mechanisms of Antimony-Doped Tin Oxide Nanoceramics

Densification of antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) ceramics without sintering aids is very difficult, due to the volatilization of SnO2, formation of deleterious phases above 1000°C, and poor sintering ability of ATO particles. In this paper, monodispersed ATO nanoparticles were synthesized via sol-gel method, and then ATO nanoceramics with high density were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology using the as-synthesized ATO nanoparticles without the addition of sintering aids. The effect of Sb doping content on the densification was investigated, and the densification mechanisms were explored. The results suggest that ATO nanoparticles derived from sol-gel method show good crystallinity with a crystal size of 5–20 nm and Sb is incorporated into the SnO2crystal structure. When the SPS sintering temperature is 1000°C and the Sb doping content is 5 at.%, the density of ATO nanoceramics reaches a maximum value of 99.2%. Densification mechanisms are explored in detail.

Dielectric property improvement of ATO particles with narrow size distribution in ATO/PI composite films

Abstract

Antimony doped tin oxide coating of muscovite clays by the Pechini route

The preparation of antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) conductive thin films on mica (muscovite) clays is described. ATO coating solution was prepared from ethylene glycol monomer, citric acid ligand, SbCl 3 and SnCl 2 precursors in alcohol solution. Muscovite thin film coating was prepared by gradual addition of the precursor solution to a water–muscovite clay dispersion. Under appropriate precursor concentrations and temperature, aggregation of the clays and ATO particles was prevented, and the ATO film grew exclusively on the clay substrate. Heat treatment of the coated mica resulted in semi transparent and conductive clays which could be used for composite film formation. Whereas the Pechini route is widely used for dip coating of ATO films, here we extend the approach for coating particulate matter. The films were characterized by electronic microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, powder diffraction, and thermal analysis and the dependence of conductivity on calcination temperature and precursor concentrations are described.

Synthesis of nano-sized antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) particles using a DC arc plasma jet

Nano-sized antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) particles were synthesized using DC arc plasma jet. The precursors SnCl 4 and SbCl 5 were injected into the plasma flame in the vapor phase. ATO powder could conveniently be synthesized without any other post-treatment in this study. To control the doping amount of antimony in the ATO particles, the Sb/Sn molar ratio was used as an operating variable. To study the effect of carrier gas on the particle size, argon and oxygen gases were used. The results of XRD and TGA show that all Sb ions penetrated the SnO 2 lattice to substitute Sn ions. With the increased SbCl 5 concentration in source material, the Sb doping level was also increased. The size of the particles synthesized using the argon carrier gas was much smaller than that of the particles prepared using the oxygen carrier gas. For the argon gas, PSA results and SEM images reveal that the average particle size was 19 nm. However, for the oxygen gas, the average particle size was 31 nm.

Investigation on the thermal radiation properties of antimony doped tin oxide particles

This paper reports the preparation of antimony doped tin oxide crystalline powders by chemical coprecipitation method. The influence of sintering temperature and the sintering retention time on the thermal infrared emissivity is analysed. The thermal infrared reflectivity is measured and the optimum doping concentration is proposed.

Cryo-SEM studies of latex/ceramic nanoparticle coating microstructure development

Cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) was used to investigate microstructure development of composite coatings prepared from dispersions of antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles (∼30 nm) or indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles (∼40 nm) and latex particles (polydisperse, D v : ∼300 nm). Cryo-SEM images of ATO/latex dispersions as-frozen show small clusters of ATO and individual latex particles homogeneously distribute in a frozen water matrix. In contrast, cryo-SEM images of ITO/latex dispersions as-frozen show ITO particles adsorb onto latex particle surfaces. Electrostatic repulsion between negatively charged ATO and negatively charged latex particles stabilizes the ATO/latex dispersion, whereas in ITO/latex dispersion, positively charged ITO particles are attracted onto surfaces of negatively charged latex particles. These results are consistent with calculations of interaction potentials from past research. Cryo-SEM images of frozen and fractured coatings reveal that both ceramic nanoparticles and latex become more concentrated as drying proceeds; larger latex particles consolidate with ceramic nanoparticles in the interstitial spaces. With more drying, compaction flattens the latex–latex particle contacts and shrinks the voids between them. Thus, ceramic nanoparticles are forced to pack closely in the interstitial spaces, forming an interconnected network. Finally, latex particles partially coalesce at their flattened contacts, thereby yielding a coherent coating. The research reveals how nanoparticles segregate and interconnect among latex particles during drying.

Preparation of electrically conductive fibres by new surface coating method

In the present research, a new surface coating method (dissolving-coating method) that is on the basis of dissolution mechanism was designed. Substantially transparent antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) particles were used instead of carbon black as conductive particles. ATO coated polyester (PET) fibres and ATO coated polycaprolactam (PA6) fibres were prepared by the traditional coating method and the dissolving–coating method respectively. The electrical conductivity, mechanical property and launderability of the coated fibres were discussed. For the characterisation, a laser particle size distribution analyser was used to analyse the size distribution of ATO. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmittance electron microscopy (TEM) were used for the observation of ATO particles and fibre surface. Electron probe was carried out to make an elemental analysis of the fibre.

Self-Assembly of Tin Oxide Nanoparticles: Localized Percolating Network Formation in Polymer Matrix

A novel method to prepare transparent antistatic films by trapping nanoparticles in thin surface layers is proposed, and high performance of the product is demonstrated. Coating solutions consisting of surface-active antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles, an organic solvent mixture of high affinity with poly(methyl methacrylate) substrate, and an ultraviolet curable resin are used for the film formation. Antistatic property of the layer is obtained at ATO concentrations above the critical concentration for percolation. A scaling analysis of the data shows that the critical concentration (0.004 volume fraction) is extremely low as compared to the value predicted by the percolation theory for randomly packed systems as well as the values in ever developed composite films filled with ATO particles. Microscopic observation of the deposited layers indicates that percolating clusters of ATO particles are localized on the layer surfaces. The excellent electrical and optical properties of the layer are attributed to the characteristic microstructure.

Control of the electrical conductivity of composites of antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles and acrylate by grafting of 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS)

The effect of the addition of antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles on the electrical conductivity of acrylate films is described. To enable dispersing of ATO in acrylate matrices, 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) was grafted on the surface of the filler. The amount of MPS used for this surface modification was found to strongly affect the electrical conductivity. Surface modification with a large amount of MPS resulted in colloidally stable dispersions of ATO, leading to a homogeneous distribution. Surface modification with small amounts of MPS led to instable ATO dispersions and aggregation of ATO into a fractal type network, which gives a much higher conductivity especially at low-volume fractions. For composites with a fractal type ATO network a second effect was found. Decreasing the amount of on ATO grafted MPS resulted in an increase of the electrical conduction between the ATO particles.

One-step synthesis of monodispersed antimony-doped tin oxide suspension

Antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) suspension with monodispersion has been directly synthesized by hydrothermal method by using mixed Sb/Sn hydroxide solution as precursor, and temperature control has been used during the crystal growth. The ATO particles were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM–EDS and resistance test. X-ray diffraction shows that all Sb ions come into the SnO 2 lattice to substitute Sn ions. The crystallinity and doping of Sb are improved through stage heating, compared with that at constantly high temperature. TEM and SEM images indicate the ATO nanoparticles are monodispersed with the size ranging from 10 to 15 nm. The process of stage heating can enhance Sb doped level and realize the synthesis of monodispersed doped oxide particles under low temperature in a short time. The possible growth mechanism is proposed.

Synthesis and characterization of antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) with nanometer-sized particles and their conductivities

This study focused on finding the optimum conditions for displaying higher conductivity in an ATO-PET film prepared using the solvothermal method. The conductivity of the ATO film with Sb1.5:Sn8.5 increased to 800 °C calcinations. It did not, however, increase further even though the calcinations were at a temperature above 1000 °C. The average grain size measured from the FESEM micrographs was distributed within a 5.0-nm (at 400 °C) to 50.0-nm (at 1000 °C) range. It was determined from the XRD results that the special peaks assigned to the SnO 2 tetragonal type dominated until 1000 °C in the ATO particles with Sb1.5:Sn8.5. It was also confirmed that the hydrophilicity (the T–OH/T–O ratio was larger) of the ATO nano-particle with Sb1.5:Sn8.5 was largest at 600 °C calcinations. Its binding energy remarkably increased at 1000 °C calcination. In various Sb:Sn mole ratios, the conductivity was at its best in ATO films (for Sb1.5:Sn8.5) with 600 °C calcinations, 9.0×10 5 (Ω/□). When 1,4-butanediol was used as a solvent, the conductivity of the ATO film was enhanced and the ATO film exhibited higher distribution than the other solvents did. The conductivity of the ATO film prepared in basic conditions (pH=10.0) was enhanced compared to those in acidic conditions.

Electrical and optical properties of ceramic–polymer nanocomposite coatings

AbstractTransparent, conductive composite coatings were fabricated from suspensions of poly(vinyl acetate‐acrylic) (PVAc‐co‐acrylic) copolymer latices (50–600 nm) and nanosized antimony‐doped tin oxide (ATO) particles (∼15 nm). The suspensions were deposited as coatings onto poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrates and dried at 50 °C. Microstructure studies using field emission scanning electron microscopy and tapping‐mode atomic force microscopy (TMAFM) indicated that the latex particles coalesced during drying and forced the ATO particles to segregate into the boundaries between the latex particles. Low phase contrast was observed with TMAFM; this result was consistent with the presence of PVAc‐co‐acrylic in the ATO‐rich phase of the composite. The conductivity of the composite coatings followed a percolation power‐law equation, with the percolation threshold between 0.05 and 0.075 volume fractions of ATO and the critical conductivity exponent ranging from 1.34 to 2.32. The highest direct‐current conductivity of the composite coatings was around 10−2 S/cm. The optical transmittance and scattering behavior of the coatings were also investigated. Compared with the PVAc‐co‐acrylic coating, the composite coatings had lower transparency because of the Rayleigh scattering. The transparency of the composite coatings was improved by a reduction in the coating thickness. The best transparency for the coatings with a direct‐current conductivity of approximately 10−2 S/cm was around 85% at a wavelength of 600 nm. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1744–1761, 2003

The electrical and optical properties of thin layers of nano-sized antimony doped tinoxide particles

For the use in anti-static films on glass or polymeric substrates, transparent conductive layers can be prepared by spinning an aqueous suspension of nano-sized antimony-doped tinoxide (ATO) particles. These layers have a resistivity which is substantially higher than that of homogeneous ATO layers which are deposited by physical vapour deposition techniques. By curing the films to temperatures up to 700 °C, the resistivity of the particle layer can be decreased by two or three decades. Because the nano-sized particles are prepared by a low-temperature process a different mechanism can contribute to this decrease in resistivity. Possible effects which may influence the conductivity are sintering of the particles, change of the bulk material and the presence of an insulating layer at the outside of the particles. This decrease can be explained by the presence of an insulating antimony-rich layer on the outside of the particles, the thickness of which is reduced when the layer is cured. At temperatures above 350 °C, sintering of the particles also highly influences the decrease in resistivity. At temperatures above 700 °C, the resistivity is increased due to segregation of the antimony to the surface of the particle.