Influence of pH on the Properties of SnO2 Nanoparticles Synthesized by Sol-Gel Process

Abstract

SnO₂ nanoparticles with different pH values ranging from 6-10 were synthesized using sol-gel process. The influence of pH on the structural and optical properties of SnO₂ nanoparticles were studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-VIS and photoluminescence spectroscopy studies. X-Ray diffraction study revealed the formation of nano-metre scale SnO₂ particles with tetragonal rutile structure in the range of 3-5 nm. The particle size was found to be small for the pH value 8.3. FTIR study indicates the structural confirmation of SnO₂ nanoparticles. UV and photoluminescence studies also support our result. SEM study shows plate like morphology. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis confirms the elemental composition of SnO₂ nanoparticles. It was concluded that tin oxide nanoparticle prepared at pH value around 8 can be used for various potential applications.