Structural and photoluminescence properties of tin oxide and tin oxide: C core–shell and alloy nanoparticles synthesised using gas phase technique

In the present study, we report a controlled growth of tin oxide and tin oxide: carbon nanoparticles by an integrated method comprising of the gas phase agglomeration, electrical mobility based size selection, and in–flight sintering steps. The effect of in-flight sintering temperature and variation in growth environment (N2, H2 and O2) during nanoparticle formation, morphology and composition has been investigated by carrying out High Resolution Transmission Electron microscopy and X-Ray diffraction studies. The results highlight the novelty of the present technique to grow alloy and core-shell nanoparticles in which the stoichiometery (x) of SnOx and the mode of incorporation of carbon into the tin oxide lattice (alloy or core-shell structure), along with well-defined size can be controlled independently. Detailed Photoluminescence (PL) studies of well sintered monocrystalline SnO, SnOx and SnO2 nanoparticles along with SnOx:C and SnO2:C alloy and C@SnO core-shell nanoparticle has been carried out. The ...