SYNTHESIS OF CHARACTERIZATION OF SNO2 QUANTUM DOTS

Abstract

Quantum dots are nanostructures having attractive physical and chemical characteristics. Quantum dots are not easily obtainable as the materials tend to agglomerate. The cost for the preparation of SnO2 nanoparticles in industrial scale is a challenging job in material production. Therefore simple method, cheap starting materials and other suitable parameters are the main necessity for the synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles. In this work, Tin Oxide (SnO2) quantum dots have been successfully synthesized via a simple and low cost method which is the sol-gel method using methanol as solvent. Ethylene glycol, water and ethanol can also been used as solvents for synthesizing tin oxide (SnO2) quantum dots. The sol-gel thus obtained was washed and calcinated at 200o C, 300o C and 400 °C to obtain the SnO2 nanopowder. The SnO2 nanopowder thus synthesized was analysed using X- Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The size of the nanoparticles was found to be 2.5 nm, 4.5 nm and 8 nm for the calcinations temperature of 200o C, 300o C and 400 °C. The size of nanoparticles formed at 200o C that is 2.5 nm is less than the bohr exciton radius for SnO2 which is 2.7 nm. The synthesized quantum dots can be used in magnetic data storage and magnetic resonance imaging, as catalysts, energy-saving coatings and anti-static coatings, as electrodes and anti-reflection coatings in solar cells, gas sensors, optoelectronic devices and resistors, liquid crystal displays and lithium ion battery anode material.