The Influence of Lyophobicity and Lyophilicity of Film-Forming Systems on the Properties of Tin Oxide Films

Abstract

In this work, the effects of lyophobicity and lyophilicity of film-forming systems on the properties of thin nanostructured films was studied. Systematic series of experiments were carried out with lyophilic film-forming systems: SnCl4/EtOH, SnCl4/EtOH/NH4F, SnCl4/EtOH/NH4OH and lyophobic systems: SnO2/EtOH and SnO2/EtOH/NH4F. Film growth mechanisms are determined depending on the type of film-forming system. The surface of the films was studied using a scanning electron microscope and an optical microscope. The spectrophotometric method is used to study the transmission spectra and the extinction coefficient. The surface resistance of the films was determined using the four-probe method. The quality factor and specific conductivity of the films are calculated. It was found that the addition of a fluorinating agent (NH4F) to a film-forming system containing SnO2 in the form of a dispersed phase does not lead to an increase in the specific conductivity of the films. X-ray diffraction analysis proved the incorporation of fluorine ions into the structure of the film obtained from the SnCl4/EtOH/NH4F system by the presence of SnOF2 peaks. In films obtained from SnO2/EtOH/NH4F systems, there are no SnOF2 peaks. In this case, ammonium fluoride crystallizes as a separate phase and decomposes into volatile compounds.

Electronic Structure of Mg-, Si-, and Zn-Doped SnO2 Nanowires: Predictions from First Principles

“…Moreover, the cost-effectiveness of SnO 2 amplifies its appeal for industrial applications. Just like other metal oxides such as ZnO, In 2 O 3 , and TiO 2 , SnO 2 carves its niche in applications that span from being a transparent conductor to its role in oxidation catalysts, photocatalysts, photoluminescence, and solid-state gas-sensing materials [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. These diverse applications are largely attributable to the unique surface properties of SnO 2 , which have become a focal point of extensive research and innovation.…”