Investigation of HDTMA mediated sol gel synthesis of N-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles: studies of their electrical and optical properties

ABSTRACT

In the present study, HDTMA-mediated synthesis of Nitrogen-doped tin oxide nanoparticles (N-doped SnO₂) was carried out by sol gel route without using ammonia solution. HDTMA also acts as a nitrogen dopant. X ray diffractometry (XRD) confirmed tetragonal rutile crystal structure of SnO₂. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies showed spherical morphology of N-doped SnO₂. UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy of N-doped SnO₂ showed an absorption edge at 310 nm and band gap energy was calculated to be 4.4 eV, indicating a clear blue shift due to quantum confinement of nanoparticles. PL emission spectra showed broad UV band peaking at about 335 nm, indicating a blue shift due to the reduction of particle-size and widening of the band gap. Electrical parameters such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss and Ac conductivity were studied in detail.

KEYWORDS:

• Tin oxide nanoparticles
• surfactant
• sol gel method
• characterisation techniques
• electrical properties
• optical properties

Acknowledgments

Authors are gratified to National Centre of Excellence in Physical Chemistry, University of Peshawar, Pakistan for providing facilities.

Disclosure Statement

We have no conflicts of interest to declare.