Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of ATO Nanoparticles Synthesized by Combustion Method

Antimony doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles (1,2 and 3 wt%) were green synthesized by combustion method using Terminalia bellirica (T. Bellirica) seed extract as a fuel, stannous chloride and antimony trichloride as precursor. The microstructural, optical and electrical properties of synthesized ATO nanoparticles were investigated using XRD, SEM, FTIR, UV–Vis and computer-controlled impedance analyser. XRD analysis of green synthesized ATO nanoparticles exhibit tetragonal structure. SEM investigation shows granular structure of nanoparticles. FTIR studies confirm the formation of ATO nanoparticles. The optical band gap was found using diffused reflectance spectral studies. AC conductivity is studied as function of frequency using impedance analyzer. The improved microstructural, optical and electrical properties of 2 wt% ATO nanoparticles was used for SO2 gas sensing application by pellet technique. SO2 gas sensing studies were carried out using pellet of 2 wt% ATO nanoparticles and sensing response of 16% was obtained for 3.2 ppm of SO2 gas concentration.