Metallic nature of Sn1−xSbxO2±δ (x=0.0, 0.10 and 0.20) mixed oxides: Probed by 119Sn MAS NMR

Antimony doped SnO2 samples were prepared by co-precipitation method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), 119Sn magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) and variable temperature electrical conductivity measurements. Based on 119Sn MAS NMR measurements on these samples, it was established that only above 400 °C, the structural units of antimony and tin interacts, resulting in the metallic nature. Metallic behavior of the high-temperature heated samples was further confirmed by the variable temperature electrical conductivity measurements.