Ethylene Glycol Assisted Synthesis of Fluorine Doped Tin Oxide Nanorods Using Improved Spray Pyrolysis Deposition Method

Abstract

Fluorine-doped tin oxide nanorod transparent thin films were fabricated with SnCl4·5H2O, NH4F, and ethylene glycol (EG) using an improved spray pyrolysis deposition technique. The fabricated nanorods showed a low resistance of 15.3 Ω/sq and a good transparency of 70.8%. The nanorods have a higher surface area than the conventionally used thin films.

Template-Free Nanostructured Fluorine-Doped Tin Oxide Scaffolds for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

“…The fabrication of high-quality FTO thin films by different methods, such as magnetron sputtering or air blast spray pyrolysis, has attracted much attention in recent years. − Moreover, the synthesis of nanostructured SnO 2 arrays by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for sensing applications was also reported. − However, the incorporation of fluorine species in the structure of cassiterite SnO 2 has proven to be more challenging. − Motivated by the computational study of Wang et al, demonstrating the potential benefits of high-aspect-ratio scaffolds, we have developed in our lab a novel lateral ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) method, also known as aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD), for the preparation of template-free, highly conductive, and high-aspect-ratio FTO nanopyramids for use as nanostructured scaffolds in photoelectrochemical applications. The main advantages of USP strive in its simplicity and wider choice and availability of precursors together with high deposition rates and precise stoichiometry control.…”