Tin Oxide Research Articles

Square versus hexagonal lattices effects on the optical and dielectric properties of plasmonic Ag–LiNbO[formula omitted] composite

We investigate the effect on the optical and transport properties of square and hexagonal lattice arrangements of silver nanoparticles (NPs) in uniaxial LiNbO3 as optically active layer within a multilayer configuration. This multilayer is constituted by Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), the polymer PMMA and a substrate of SiO2. The effective dielectric function of the ensemble of Ag NPs and uniaxial LiNbO3 crystal are treated through the Bruggeman approximation. The multilayer absorbance for s- and p-polarization at normal and oblique incidences are determined by means of the Transfer Matrix Method. Changes in the ratio between the diameter of the nanoparticles, D, and the distance between particles or pitch, P, are analyzed. A change in the D/P ratio implies a different filling factor. For small D/P ratio, the calculated absorbance for square- and hexagonal-lattices are equivalent; however, for greater D/P factor, the hexagonal lattice clearly shows higher absorbance values. Moreover, the Brewster angle seems to be sensitive to the Ag NPs size as well as the type of arrangement (square or hexagonal). The ac-electrical conductivity of the effective medium layer of the two arrangements in the perpendicular and parallel directions of the Ag NPs plane were analyzed. Our results demonstrate that the ac-conductivity is higher for hexagonal lattice than for square case, which means a higher density of Ag NPs. In addition, for the perpendicular direction, in the hexagonal-lattice (D/P = 0.5), we have found the negative epsilon (NE) condition, characteristic of metamaterials.

Rapid oxygen plasma treatment of tin oxide layers for improving the light stability of perovskite solar cells

Surface treatment of SnO2 as an electron transport layer is essential for improving charge transport and device performance in the fabrication of perovskite solar cells. In this study, oxygen plasma with a controlled ion–radical composition ratio was used for rapid surface treatment to clean the surface of SnO2, and its performance was compared with that of the conventional UV–ozone treatment. Consequently, the plasma treatment succeeded in increasing the processing speed up to 40 times faster than that required for the conventional UV–ozone pretreatment. Furthermore, plasma pretreatment improved the photostability of solar cells.

The Improvement of Luminous Uniformity of Large-Area Organic Light-Emitting Diodes by Using Auxiliary Electrodes

The study developed a large emission area of flexible blue organic light-emitting diodes (BOLED) on a polyethylene terephthalate/ Indium tin oxide (PET/ITO) substrate using a polycyclic skeleton ν-DABNA Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) material. Initially, a 1 × 1 cm2 blue OLED was fabricated to optimize the layer thickness. The blue OLED structure consisted of PET/ITO/HATCN/TAPC/UBH-21:ν-DABNA/TPBi/LiF/Al. However, as the emission area increased to 3.5 × 3.5 cm2, the current density decreased due to the resistance of PET/ITO, leading to luminance non-uniformity. To address this issue, auxiliary Au lines were added to the ITO anode to enhance current injection. Despite this, when the Au lines reached a thickness of 30 nm, average light emission was disrupted. To improve the luminescence characteristics of large-area PET/ITO OLEDs, a capping and planarization layer of PEDOT:PSS was applied. Grid uniformity revealed a significant increase in overall luminance uniformity from 74.1% to 87.4% with the addition of auxiliary Au lines. Further increases in grid line density slightly reduced uniformity but enhanced brightness, resulting in brighter, flexible, large-area blue OLED lighting panels.

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Heterogeneous Role of Conducting Films Upon Electrical Stimulation.

Central nervous system (CNS) injuries and neurodegenerative diseases have markedly poor prognoses and can result in permanent dysfunction due to the general inability of CNS neurons to regenerate. Differentiation of transplanted stem cells has emerged as a therapeutic avenue to regenerate tissue architecture in damaged areas. Electrical stimulation is a promising approach for directing the differentiation outcomes and pattern of outgrowth of transplanted stem cells, however traditional inorganic bio-electrodes can induce adverse effects such as inflammation. This study demonstrates the implementation of two organic thin films, a polymer/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite (P(rGO)) and PEDOT:PSS, that have favorable properties for implementation as conductive materials for electrical stimulation, as well as an inorganic indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive film. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that electrical stimulation improves neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells on all three films, with the greatest effect for P(rGO). Unique material- and electrical stimuli-mediated effects are observed, associated with differentiation, cell-substrate adhesion, and translation. The work demonstrates that P(rGO) and PEDOT:PSS are highly promising organic materials for the development of biocompatible, conductive scaffolds that will enhance electrically-aided stem cell therapeutics for CNS injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.

Niobium Oxide Thin Films Grown on Flexible ITO-Coated PET Substrates

Niobium oxide thin films were grown on both rigid and flexible substrates using DC magnetron sputtering for electrochromic applications. Three experimental series were conducted, varying the oxygen to argon flow rate ratio and deposition time. In the first series, the oxygen to argon ratio was adjusted from 0 to 0.32 while maintaining a constant growth time of 30 min. For the second and third series, the oxygen to argon ratios were fixed at 0.40 and 0.56, respectively, with deposition times ranging from 15 to 60 min. A structural transition from crystalline to amorphous was observed at an oxygen to argon flow rate ratio of 0.32. This transition coincided with a change in appearance, from non-transparent with metallic-like electrical conductivity to transparent with dielectric behavior. The transparent niobium oxide films exhibited thicknesses between 51 nm and 198 nm, with a compact, dense, and featureless morphology, as evidenced by both top-view and cross-sectional images. Films deposited on flexible indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates displayed a maximum surface roughness (Sq) of 9 nm and a maximum optical transmission of 83% in the visible range. The electrochromic response of niobium oxide thin films on ITO-coated PET substrates demonstrated a maximum coloration efficiency of 30 cm2 C−1 and a reversibility of 96%. Mechanical performance was assessed through bending tests. The ITO-coated PET substrate exhibited a critical bending radius of 6.5 mm. Upon the addition of the niobium oxide layer, this decreased to 5 mm. Electrical resistance measurements indicated that the niobium oxide film mitigated rapid mechanical degradation of the underlying ITO electrode beyond the critical bending radius.

Spin coating deposition of tin oxide thin films: Influence of solution concentration

Tin oxide (SnO2) thin films were deposited on glass substrates using a cost-effective spin coating method. The effect of solution molarity on their microstructural, optical, and electrical properties was investigated. For this purpose, solutions of tin chloride salt were prepared with various molarity in the range of 0.1M to 0.25M. The synthesized films structure and morphology were characterized by different techniques such as X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The optical and electrical properties were studied by mean of UV-Vis spectroscopy and four probes conductivity measurement. The X-ray diffraction patterns of all samples revealed well-crystallized and pure SnO2 films with tetragonal rutile structure. The scanning electron microscopy images reveal a smooth and dense film pinholes free. The optical analyses show that the films exhibit an optical transparency that reaches up to 98% in the visible range and that the optical band gap decreases from 3.97 to 3.82 eV when the concentration increases from 0.1M to 0.25M. The films’ electrical conductivity varies in the range from 76 to 100 (Ω cm)–1. The largest figure of merit of 9.8 × 10–3 was measured in the films prepared at low solution concentration.

Performance optimization of (FA)2BiCuI6 perovskite solar cells using transport layer integration

The double-halide perovskite (FA)₂BiCuI₆ has been identified as a key material for enhancing the light absorption in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In a device structure composed of FTO/STO/(FA)₂BiCuI₆/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au, notable photovoltaic (PV) performance has been achieved. Sulfur-doped tin oxide (STO) is utilized as the electron transport layer (ETL), (FA)₂BiCuI₆ serves as the absorber, and Spiro-OMeTAD functions as the hole transport layer (HTL), with gold (Au) and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) acting as the contacts. Through optimization using the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS-1D), the thicknesses of the absorber, HTL, ETL, and FTO were set to 1000 nm, 150 nm, 150 nm, and 100 nm, respectively, with the device operating at 300 K. This setup demonstrated high performance under the AM1.5 G spectrum, yielding an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.02 V, a short-circuit current density (JSC) of 25.6 mA/cm², a fill factor (FF) of 87.76 %, and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.97 %. The device also exhibited a quantum efficiency (QE) of approximately 99.30 % within the visible light range.

Highly Efficient Production of Furfural from Corncob by Barley Hull Biochar-Based Solid Acid in Cyclopentyl Methyl Ether–Water System

Furfural, an important biobased compound, can be synthesized through the chemocatalytic conversion of D-xylose and hemicelluloses from lignocellulose. It has widespread applications in the production of valuable furans, additives, resins, rubbers, synthetic fibers, polymers, plastics, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals. By using barley hulls (BHs) as biobased support, a heterogeneous biochar Sn-NUS-BH catalyst was created to transform corncob into furfural in cyclopentyl methyl ether–H2O. Sn-NUS-BH had a fibrous structure with voids, a large comparative area, and a large pore volume, which resulted in more catalytic active sites. Through the characterization of the physical and chemical properties of Sn-NUS-BH, it was observed that the Sn-NUS-BH had tin dioxide (Lewis acid sites) and a sulfonic acid group (Brønsted acid sites). This chemocatalyst had good thermostability. At 170 °C for 20 min, Sn-NUS-BH (3.6 wt%) was applied to transform 75 g/L of corncob with ZnCl2 (50 mM) to generate furfural (80.5% yield) in cyclopentyl methyl ether–H2O (2:1, v/v). This sustainable catalytic process shows great promise in the transformation of lignocellulose to furfural using biochar-based chemical catalysts.

Effect of lanthanum doped SnO2 on the performance of mixed-cation mixed-halide perovskite layer

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted significant attention due to their higher efficiencies and lower fabrication costs. But for the better performance of PSCs, a high-quality electron transport layer (ETL) is crucial. Various ETLs have been employed and among them Tin (IV) oxide (SnO2) has emerged as a promising candidate for electron selective layer in PSCs due to its superior optical and electrical characteristics. However, there is still improvement needed in terms of poor surface morphology and conductivities of SnO2. When SnO2 is used in conjunction with absorber layer in ambient conditions, stability, and charge carrier recombinations at SnO2/perovskite interface remains a serious challenge as well. This study presents the doping of lanthanum (La III), a rare earth element, into SnO2 ETLs to improve the quality and performance of the perovskite layer deposited on top of ETL in ambient condition. With the optimized 4% La (III) doping, SnO2 ETLs become more crystalline with lower parasitic light absorption and surface morphology improves significantly. The improvement in morphology due to doping facilitates larger crystal growth of perovskite in ambient environment. Moreover, Photoluminescence reveals that with optimized level of doping, interfacial charge recombinations are significantly mitigated ensuring smooth injection of electrons into ETL because of superior perovskite film quality. The mixed-cation mixed-halide perovskite film deposited on 4% La:SnO2 ETL show better resistance towards moisture ingress and will substantially contribute to develop long-life of planar PSCs.

Fabrication of one-dimensional Zn-doped Bi2S3 nanorods for photodiode applications.

In this research, the impact of the different zinc (Zn) concentrations on the physical and optoelectronic properties of Bi2S3 nanorods as self-powered and photodiode applications was investigated. The performance of P-N junction photodiodes has been for decades since they are crucial in energy applications. The structure, degree of crystallinity, and shape of Zn-doped Bi2S3 nanorods of various doping percentages formed onto the indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates by the dip coating technique are investigated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and SEM. With increasing illumination time, the current-voltage (I-V) graphs demonstrate a rise in photocurrent. The diode's idealist factor was estimated using the I-V technique under 30 min of light illumination.

Understanding Macrophage Interaction with Antimony-Doped Tin Oxide Plasmonic Nanoparticles.

Antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles (ATO NPs) have emerged as a promising tool in biomedical applications, namely robust photothermal effects upon near-infrared (NIR) light exposure, enabling controlled thermal dynamics to induce spatial cell death. This study investigated the interplay between ATO NPs and macrophages, understanding cellular uptake and cytokine release. ATO NPs demonstrated biocompatibility with no impact on macrophage viability and cytokine secretion. These findings highlight the potential of ATO NPs for inducing targeted cell death in cancer treatments, leveraging their feasibility, unique NIR properties, and safe interactions with immune cells. ATO NPs offer a transformative platform with significant potential for future biomedical applications by combining photothermal capabilities and biocompatibility.

Horseradish peroxidase enzyme/graphene oxide based electrochemical biosensor for detection of glutathione

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamate. It is essential to many different living things as an antioxidant. Glutathione serves as a key biomarker and its detection is crucial for studying its levels in living bodies, providing insights into various diseases. In this work, we present the use of a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor to detect glutathione utilizing a graphene oxide modified Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) electrode immobilized with the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The modified electrode was further characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and spectrum showed that HRP was successfully immobilized onto GO. The electrochemical behavior of the modified ito was examined by cyclic voltammetry. Cyclic voltammetry demonstrated HRP/GO/ITO electrode has better electrocatalytic activity than bare ito in the oxidation of GSH in acetate buffer solution. The electrochemical sensor had a 1μM detection limit and a linear range of 10μM to 50 μM. The HRP/GO/ITO electrode resulted improved electrocatalytic properties, long-term stability, good repeatability and high sensitivity, and, along with a quick response to detect GSH. Additionally, GSH concentration in real sample was measured using the HRP/GO/ITO modified electrode.

A "signal-off" anodic photoelectrochemical sensor based on ZnIn2S4/TiO2 heterojunction for dopamine detection

Dopamine (DA) is an important neurotransmitter. Abnormal levels of it in human body can increase the risk of many neurological diseases. Thus, developing a simple, sensitive detection method of DA is crucial. In this paper, we reported a "signal-off" anodic PEC sensor based on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass modified ZnIn2S4/TiO2 heterojunction (ZnIn2S4/TiO2/FTO) for DA detection. The experimental results show that the ZnIn2S4/TiO2/FTO electrode prepared by two-step hydrothermal method has a good photocurrent response performance under visible light. After incubation with DA, the photocurrent response decreases significantly because DA can rapidly oxidizes to polydopamine (PDA) through the action of superoxide radical (·O2−) and hydroxyl radical (·OH) intermediate species, which are intermediates produced by the ZnIn2S4/TiO2/FTO electrode under visible light irradiation. The constructed PEC sensor has a good linear relationship in the concentration range from 0.5 to 1000.0 μM, and its detection limit is 0.253 μM. In addition, the results of the proposed PEC sensor in real serum samples are satisfactory. The PEC sensor provides a promising platform for DA detection, laying the foundation for future advances in disease diagnosis and prevention.

Surface-engineered vertically-aligned ZnO nanorod for sensitive non-enzymatic electrochemical monitoring of cholesterol

Developing highly sensitive and selective non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensors for disease biomarker detection has become challenging in healthcare applications. However, advances in material science are opening new avenues for creating more dependable biosensing technologies. In this context, the present work introduces a novel approach by engineering a hybrid structure of zinc oxide nanorod (ZnO NR) modified with iron oxide nanoparticle (Fe2O3 NP) on an FTO electrode. This Fe2O3 NP-ZnO NR hybrid material functions as a nanozyme, facilitating the catalysis of cholesterol and enabling the direct transfer of electrons to the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode, limiting the need for costly and traditional enzymes in the detection process. This innovative non-enzymatic cholesterol biosensor showcases remarkable sensitivity, registering at 642.8 μA/mMcm2 within a linear response range of up to 9.0 mM. It also exhibits a low detection limit (LOD) of ∼12.4 μM, ensuring its capability to detect minimal concentrations of cholesterol accurately. Moreover, the developed biosensor displays exceptional selectivity by effectively distinguishing cholesterol molecules from other interfering biological species, while exhibiting outstanding stability and reproducibility. Our findings indicate that the Fe2O3 NP-ZnO NR hybrid nanostructure on the FTO electrode holds promise for enhancing biosensor stability. Furthermore, the present device fabrication platform offers versatility, as it can be adapted with various enzymes or modified with different metal oxides, potentially broadening its applicability in a wide range of biomarkers detection.

Scattering layers for Titanium dioxide and Tin dioxide Dye-sensitized solar cells with Pandan leaf as a natural sensitizer

Scattering layers for Titanium dioxide and Tin dioxide Dye-sensitized solar cells with Pandan leaf as a natural sensitizer

Recent Advances in Metal-Oxide-Based Photoresists for EUV Lithography.

Extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) is a leading technology in semiconductor manufacturing, enabling the creation of high-resolution patterns essential for advanced microelectronics. This review highlights recent progress in inorganic metal-oxide-based photoresists, with a focus on their applications in EUVL. The unique properties of zinc-based, tin-oxygen, and IVB group inorganic photoresists are examined, showcasing their enhanced chemical reactivity and precise patterning capabilities. Key advancements include the development of zinc oxide and tin oxide nanoparticles, which demonstrate significant improvements in photon absorption and solubility under extreme ultraviolet exposure. Additionally, the review delves into the photochemical reactions of tin-oxygen clusters and the influence of various ligands on film density and cross-linking. The findings suggest that these inorganic photoresists not only improve photolithographic performance but also hold potential for broader applications, such as pyroelectric infrared sensors and 3D printing. Future research directions are outlined, including the optimization of process parameters, the exploration of new ligand and metal combinations, and the evaluation of the environmental benefits of inorganic photoresists over traditional organic ones. These advancements are poised to further enhance the resolution and patterning capabilities required for next-generation semiconductor devices.

A single-use electrochemical biosensor system for ultrasensitive detection of Aflatoxin B1 in rice, corn, milk, peanut, chili pepper samples

Aflatoxin B1, a common food contaminant in peanuts and corn and a genotoxic carcinogen in humans poses a significant risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, making its detection crucial; this study aims to develop a label-free electrochemical biosensor using a disposable indium tin oxide polyethylene terephthalate (ITO-PET) electrode modified with 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane for detecting Aflatoxin B1 in real food samples. Initially, optimization steps for the proposed biosensor were conducted using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques. Characterization steps such as storage capacity, regeneration, and single frequency impedance (SFI) were completed for the proposed disposable biosensor after the optimization steps. The electrochemical biosensor, based on AFB1, exhibited excellent repeatability and reproducibility. It had a broad dynamic detection range from 0.1 fg/mL to 500 fg/mL, with low limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) at 0.19 fg/mL and 0.65 fg/mL, respectively. Finally, the proposed AFB1-based biosensor system was applied to real food samples (rice, chili pepper, milk, corn, and peanuts) for testing and validation.

Sustainable catalytic hydrogenation of high concentration nitrate to ammonia over Ruthenium-based catalysts

Elevated nitrate levels in natural water bodies significantly disrupt the global nitrogen cycle and pose a substantial environmental and human health risk. This study investigates the selective conversion of nitrate to ammonia via catalytic hydrogenation. This highly efficient and selective process offers a sustainable alternative to traditional ammonia production methods while simultaneously addressing nitrate pollution. Ruthenium (Ru) catalysts supported on ceria (CeO2), titania (TiO2), and tin dioxide (SnO2) were synthesized using a simple impregnation method, incorporating oxygen vacancies and low Palladium (Pd) loadings (0.25–0.5 wt%) to enhance catalytic performance. Ru-Pd/CeO2 exhibited superior activity and selectivity, maintaining near 100 % ammonia selectivity across various nitrate concentrations. At 75 °C, complete conversion of 2000 ppm nitrate to ammonia was achieved within 80 min using Ru-Pd/CeO2, and the yield of ammonia can reach up to 16440 mg•h−1•gRu-1. Subsequent ammonia enrichment through evaporation yielded pure ammonia solutions up to 3.6 wt%. Characterization and theoretical calculations suggest that abundant oxygen vacancies on the CeO2 surface and efficient hydrogen spillover from Pd nanoparticles synergistically contribute to the Ru-Pd/CeO2 catalyst’s superior performance. The catalyst exhibited excellent stability and reusability, maintaining high activity and selectivity over four cycles. This research presents a promising strategy for addressing nitrate pollution in water bodies while offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly route for ammonia synthesis. The findings of this study lay the foundation for further advancing and potentially implementing catalytic hydrogenation technology for nitrate pollution remediation and ammonia synthesis.

Configurational Isomerization-Induced Orientation Switching: Non-Fused Ring Dipodal Phosphonic Acids as Hole-Extraction Layers for Efficient Organic Solar Cells.

Phosphonic acid (PA) self-assembled molecules have recently emerged as efficient hole-extraction layers (HELs) for organic solar cells (OSCs). However, the structural effects of PAs on their self-assembly behaviors on indium tin oxide (ITO) and thus photovoltaic performance remain obscure. Herein, we present a novel class of PAs, namely "non-fused ring dipodal phosphonic acids" (NFR-DPAs), featuring simple and malleable non-fused ring backbones and dipodal phosphonic acid anchoring groups. The efficacy of configurational isomerism in modulating the photoelectronic properties and switching molecular orientation of PAs atop electrodes results in distinct substrate surface energy and electronic characteristics. The NFR-DPA with linear (C2h symmetry) and brominated backbone exhibits favorable face-on orientation and enhanced work function modification capability compared to its angular (C2v symmetry) and non-brominated counterparts. This makes it versatile HELs in mitigating interfacial resistance for energy barrier-free hole collection, and affording optimal active layer morphology, which results in an impressive efficiency of 19.11% with a low voltage loss of 0.52 V for binary OSC devices and an excellent efficiency of 19.66% for ternary OSC devices. This study presents a new dimension to design PA-based HELs for high-performance OSCs.

Enhancement of the Sensing Properties of Chitosan Films as an Acetone Gas Sensor with the Addition of Tin Oxide (SnO2)

Enhancement of the Sensing Properties of Chitosan Films as an Acetone Gas Sensor with the Addition of Tin Oxide (SnO2)