Synthesis and characterization of long-term stable aqueous colloidal dispersed Sb-doped SnO2

A long-term stable aqueous colloidal dispersed ATO solution was obtained through the addition of aqueous ammonia. ATO nanoparticles could be dispersed evenly, forming stable ATO water-dispersed sol solution, and no agglomeration or sedimentation occurred at least 9 months. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy were employed to characterize the obtained ATO. Dynamic light scattering and UV–Vis–NIR spectrophotometer were used to record the particle sizes and transmission spectra of as-prepared ATO inks, respectively. The highest transmittance at low ATO concentration is 89.6% at 760 nm. In the near-infrared region, the transmittance has an obvious decrease, which is 51.5% at 1300 nm. The transmittance of as-prepared ATO solution in visible and near-infrared wavelengths (300–1300 nm) decreased significantly with the increase in the ATO concentration, especially in the near-infrared wavelengths, which proved that the as-prepared ATO had a shielding performance in the near-infrared region.