Microstructural, optical, and morphological investigations of SnO₂ nanomaterials grown by microwave assisted sol gel method

Abstract

Tin Oxide (SnO2) nanomaterials were grown using microwave assisted sol gel method at different concentrations of Tin precursor (namely 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 M). Stannous Chloride is used as Sn precursor. Liquid Ammonia was used to maintain the pH in range 12-13. Synthesis was carried out in aqueous medium using Teflon container in microwave oven for 1 hour. Precipitate was annealed in air ambient for 600℃ for 5 hours. Structural, optical, morphological investigations were done. XRD reveals growth of tetragonal phase of SnO2 . Prominent presence of (110), (101), and (211) reflections were noticed at 26.6°, 33.7° and 52° twotheeta values. Comparative study of various structural parameters were carried out using Scherrer method, Williamson-Hall method, Uniform Deformation Model (UDM), Uniform Deformation Stress Model (USDM), Uniform Deformation Energy Density Model (UDEDM). Globular agglomerated morphology was revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Presence of Tin (Sn) and Oxygen (O) was confirmed in Energy Dispersive X -Ray spectroscopy. Tauc method was used to obtain the band gap.