SnO_x Nanocrystallites Supported by Silica Nanostructures

Abstract

We demonstrate the results of a single-step in-situ synthesis that produces surface decoration of partially agglomerated amorphous silica nanospheres (diameter ∼45 nm) with SnO x nanocrystals of diameter 3−6 nm. The technique would appear to be useful for the dispersal of extremely small tin oxide nanostructures on a silica nanosurface to produce improved sensors and catalysts. Preliminary results indicating improved kinetic activity on this nanoscale are reported.

Theoretical prediction of atomic and electronic structure of neutral Si6Om (m=1–11) clusters

“…1 Its nanoparticles are interesting because of their importance in technological applications, such as microelectronics 2 and optics, 3 its uses, ranging from glass to catalysis, 4 and the very important optical fiber communications. 5 Since silica is one of the materials that shows novel properties in the nanoscale range, the study and understanding of the structure, bonding, stability, and properties of their clusters and nanoparticles is very important and necessary.…”

Structure of the thinnest most stable semiconducting and insulating nanotubes ofSiOx(x=1,2)

“…4,5 Dispersal of extremely small tin oxide nanocrystals on the surface of silica nanospheres have been shown to produce improved sensors as well as catalytic behavior. 4,6 Among the various nanoforms of silica, nanotubes are potentially important not only in electronics but in catalysis and bioanalysis also. This is due to the availability of the inner and outer surfaces of the nanotubes.…”

Unusual properties and reactivity at the nanoscale

“…2) [20], whereas in the nanostructures it can exist at normal atmospheric pressure. This recently discovered structural characteristic provides a powerful approach for tuning the physical and chemical properties of functional oxides and demonstrates that small is different [21]. There has been a long, continued, interest in TiO 2 based photocatalysis [22] because of the relatively high reactivity and chemical stability of the oxide under UV light excitation (l!387 nm) where this energy exceeds the bandgap of anatase (3.2 eV) crystalline n-TiO 2 .…”