The Properties and Applications of SnO2 Nanoparticles

Tin oxide powders come in both synthetic and mineralogical forms. The compound is commercially viable in several oxidation states but is of particular interest to the electronics industry as tin dioxide (SnO₂). Also known as stannic oxide, SnO₂ is the primary ore derived from raw tin and is synthetically produced at scale by flowing hot air over the molten material. The resultant oxide powder can be used in industrial polishes, glass and ceramic coatings, a broad range of construction materials, and gas sensor devices.

The electrochemistry of SnO₂ nanoparticles has been scrutinized in numerous studies. It exhibits novel semiconducting behavior that is suitable for thin film engineering and functional coating applications.

This blog post will explore the properties and applications of SnO2 nanoparticles in more detail.

The Electronic Properties of SnO₂ Nanoparticles

SnO₂ nanoparticles are characterized as extrinsic semiconductors, which defines materials that rely on chemical heterogeneities or lattice defects to provide charge carriers. In the case of tin dioxide, oxygen acts as electron donor atoms. These electronically neutral molecules provide an excess of negative electrons to the crystal lattice of SnO₂ nanoparticles.

Typically, SnO₂ nanoparticles for electronics applications are prepared as a formulation with a mixture of butanol acting as the continuous phase solvent.

The Applications of SnO₂ Nanoparticles

The unique electronic properties of SnO₂ nanoparticles provides the basis for electron transport and hole blocking layers in printed electronics applications. They can also perform electron injection and charge recombination functions for a range of thin film architectures, including: organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs); organic photovoltaics (OPVs); and printed photodetectors.

Avantama have furthered the capacities of SnO₂ nanoparticles to resist photodegradation and eliminate ultraviolet activation, ensuring high-performance over longer service lives in demanding applications.

Nanoparticle Formulations from Avantama

Avantama specializes in the development of unique nanoparticle formulations for leading-edge electronics applications. Our unmatched processing capabilities have given rise to a unique service that provides bespoke electronics solutions for individual customer requirements.

Our SnO₂ nanoparticle solutions are available off-the-shelf in standard variants, with typical concentrations of 2.5WT% in solvent. We also offer broad material flexibility for custom formulations, enabling customers with our unique engineering expertise to develop novel materials for individual applications. Read more about our experience in this area: The Properties and Applications of ZnO Nanoparticles.

If you would like more information about tailoring our SnO2 nanoparticles for your printed electronics applications, please do not hesitate to contact us.