SnO2 and CeO2-doped SnO2 materials obtained by sol-gel alkoxide route

SnO2 and CeO2-doped SnO2 powders and films were synthesised by sol-gel processing of ethanol solutions of the metal alkoxides. Films were prepared on glass and silicon substrates by dip coating, the films on the former being heat treated at 500 C, and those on the latter at 500 and 850 C. The films were amorphous following heat treatment at 500 C, but consisted of well-crystallised rutile phase after treatment at 850 C. Powders were prepared by gelling at room temperature followed by heat treatment at 200-1000 C. At 500 C, SnO2 phase of low crystallinity was detected in both the undoped and the doped samples. At 1000 C the powder was well-crystallised and consisted of a mixture of SnO2 and CeO2. 26 refs.