Effects of Preparation Parameters on the Structural and Morphologic Properties of SnO2-Sb Coatings

Abstract

Sb-doped SnO2 (SnO2-Sb) coatings show superiority in degrading toxic and refractory organic pollutants. SnO2-Sb coatings can be prepared by oxidizing electrodeposited Sn-Sb coatings through an annealing process. The properties and structure of SnO2-Sb coatings can be tailored by adjusting the preparation parameters. This study examines the effects of crucial preparation parameters on the performance of SnO2-Sb coatings, with the aim of enhancing their properties.Determining the coatings’ cross-sectional and surface characteristics was accomplished using various characterization techniques. A thorough investigation of the prepared samples’ phase and element components was also carried out. Based on the findings, the surface roughness of the prepared Sn-Sb precoating changed with increasing current density, yet the primary surface features of the SnO2-Sb coatings were hardly altered by the annealing process. Without lowering the coating thickness, the appropriate current density of 30 mA/cm2 produced a rough and active coating surface. Our study’s proper annealing temperature of 600 °C transformed Sn-Sb precoating into SnO2-Sb coating and achieved excellent coating quality.While changes in the Sb content affected the morphology of the prepared SnO2-Sb coatings, the mixed oxide coatings’ cassiterite SnO2 phase was unaffected. These results may provide insights into the optimized use of SnO2-Sb coatings in various applications.