Structure of SnO2 nanoparticles by sol-gel method

SnO2 is an important functional material which contributes to a wide range of applications in gas sensors and optoelectronic devices. In the present study, sol-gel method employing polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used for the production of SnO2 nanoparticles. The morphology, composition and structure were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) respectively. SnO2 nanoparticles in the range of 22-31 nm size were obtained when calcined at 450 degrees C. FESEM results were confirmed by the Scherrer equation using FWHM values of the main peaks in the XRD diffraction pattern. The Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectrum showed a band of 450-700 cm(-1) corresponding to the Sn-O anti symmetric vibration. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.