Synthesis and Characterization of ATO (Antimony Tin Oxide) Nano-Sized Particles

This study was focused on finding the optimum conditions for higher conductivity on a film prepared by nano-sized ATO particle. Tin-doped antimony oxide nanometer particles were successfully synthesized using the solvothermal method in various conditions. In XRD results it was confirmed that the special peaks assigned to SnO₂ dominated at lower temperature of 600°C, while the special peaks of Sb₂O₃ dominated at higher temperature above 800°C. With an increase of calcination temperature, the resistance on ATO nano-sized film decreased. Moreover, the particle sizes also increased with calcination temperature. The average grain size measured from FESEM micrographs, distributed in range from 5.0 nm (at lower temperature) to 50.0 nm (at higher temperature). On the other hand, the shape of ATO particle attained at lower temperature showed spherical type, however it was transferred to the rhombic shape, and finally, it becomes cubic type above 1200°C. In various Sb: Sn mole ratios, the resistance on ATO film decreased with Sb component, in particular Sb: Sn=8.5: 1.5. At this time, the particle size was about 30.0 nm. On the other hand, the XRD patterns were also different with solvent species. When 1,4-butanediol was used, the conductivity of ATO film was better than other samples. Finally, The conductivity enhanced on ATO film, which prepared in alkali condition. Consequently, the more Sn amount has, the more conductivity has at lower temperature (below 800°C), and the more Sb amount has, the more conductivity has at higher temperature (above 1000°C).