Electrochemical liquid phase deposition of tin oxide on gold electrode

The tin(II)-fluoro complex was oxidized electrochemically in nitric acid solution. In the presence of fluoride anion, continuous potential cycling generated gradual current enhancement for the SnF2 oxidation process at gold electrodes. The deposited and annealed product was characterized as SnO2 using X-ray diffraction method, and the process was regarded as “electrochemically-assisted” liquid phase deposition. The surface morphology was compared with that from a conventional liquid phase deposition technique using scanning tunneling microscope observations. The process offers a tin oxide film with a homogeneous and less defective surface and much savings both in reaction time and heating of the sample solution.