Preparation and characterization of ATO nanoparticles by various coprecipitation

A series of Sb doped SnO₂ (ATO) nanoparticles, with Sb doping levels 0–20 at.% has been prepared by two different coprecipitation routes. Effect of preparation process, Sb doping concentration and calcination temperature on the crystallinity and morphology of ATO nanoparticles were investigated and analyzed. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, selective area electron diffraction, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results indicated that the prepared ATO nanoparticles were tetragonal, and isostructural with rutile lattice structure as known from bulk SnO₂. The ATO nanoparticles prepared via process I (homogeneous coprecipitation) presented obviously weaker crystallinity, smaller average crystallite size and harder agglomeration than that prepared via process II (heterogeneous coprecipitation). The crystallinity and average crystallite size of ATO nanoparticles prepared via process II increased with increasing calcination temperatures and reducing Sb doping concentrations, respectively. The increased crystallinity, dispersibility and average crystallite size for ATO nanoparticles prepared via process II may be due to the formation of ATO crystal nuclei, leading to an improved formation dynamics of ATO nanoparticles.