Ce Doped SnO2 Nanoparticcles: Investigation of Structural and Optical Properties

Abstract

Tin oxide (SnO₂) and (1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5wt %) Ce-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by the Co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction investigations have been confirmed that the synthesized nanoparticles are polycrystalline in nature with tetragonal rutile phase. The particle size is determined using Scherrer’s formula and it is found to increase with the “Ce” dopant. High resolution scanning electron microscope (HRSEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed spherical morphology composed of fine crystallites with diameters around ∼200 nm. Optical band gap was decreased by the doping confirming the direct energy transfer between f-electrons of rare earth ion and the SnO₂ conduction or valence band. This study demonstrates the Ce doped SnO₂ nanoparticles for applications in optoelectronic devices.