Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of tin oxide nanoclusters prepared from a novel precursor via thermal decomposition route

As a new precursor, [bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehydato)tin(II)]; ([Sn(HNA)2]), complex was used in thermal decomposition process for the synthesis of tin oxide (SnO2) nanoclusters. The steric hindrance of the precursor raises the need of using co-surfactant, therefore oleylamine (C18H37N) was applied as the only surfactant of the reaction. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Also the novel precursor was thermal treated in solid-state reaction in different temperature, 400, 500, and 600 °C. Synthesized tin dioxide nanoclusters with tetragonal phase, have average size of 1.5–4 nm. Finally, optical properties of the products were examined and investigated by photoluminescence spectra.

Graphical abstractAs a new precursor, [bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehydato)tin(II)], [Sn(HNA)2], complex was used in thermal decomposition method for the synthesis of tin oxide (SnO2) nanoclusters. The steric hindrance of the precursor raises the need of using co-surfactant, therefore oleylamine (C18H37N) was applied as the only precursor of the reaction. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis demonstrated SnO2 nanoclusters with average size of 1.5–4 nm. Also the novel precursor thermally was treated in solid-state reaction in different temperature, 400, 500, and 600 °C.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide