Structural and electrical studies of nano structured Sn1-x Sb x O2 (x=0.0, 1, 2.5, 4.5 and 7 at%) prepared by co-precipitation method

SnO2 semiconducting nanopowders doped with antimony Sn1-x Sb (x) O-2 (x = 0.0, 1, 2.5, 4.5 and 7 at%) was achieved by co-precipitation method. TG/DTA and FT-IR studies revealed the removal of organic residuals in the precursor leading to the formation of oxides during calcinations process. A change in color from white to bluish occurred on calcinations of the powder at 500 A degrees C in air. The distortion ratio, strain and particle size were measured from X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra and their changes with dopants concentration were determined. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images support to conform the particle size. The electrical resistivity and activation energy of the ATO particles decreases as compared with pure SnO2, due to the incorporation of on Sn4+ ions by as Sb5+ ion in the host SnO2 matrix. Incorporation of Sb5+ was evidenced through the XPS spectrum.