Synthesis of tin oxide nanoparticles by sol-gel process: effect of solvents on the optical properties

Tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles were synthesized by the reaction of SnCl4 center dot 5H(2)O in methanol, ethanol and water via sol-gel method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared, Scanning electron microscopy and Transmission electron microscopy. The optical properties of the as-prepared samples were investigated. The XRD analysis showed well crystallized tetragonal SnO2 can be obtained and the crystal sizes were 3.9, 4.5 and 5 nm for the sample calcined at 400 A degrees C for 2 h. It was found that solvents played important roles in the particle size effect of nanocrystalline SnO2.