Properties, production methods and use of tin nanoxide

Abstract

The prevalence of tin compounds, economic affordability and non-toxicity determine its wide range of applications. Modern scientific literature on the properties, methods of preparation and application of tin nanooxide is analyzes in review. Its main characteristics and structural features are described. The ability of tin cations to be in two oxidation states, the ease of reduction of Sn+4 to Sn+2 and reverse oxidation, determines the redox properties of the SnO2 surface. In addition to stable oxides Sn4+ and Sn2,+ the existence of a homologous series of Snn+1O2n metastable compounds is assumed. It is proved that four-coordinated Sn+2 cations on the SnO2 surface can coexist only with oxygen vacancies in the immediate environment. Such cationic sites have the properties of strong Lewis acids and are highly reactive. Computer simulation of the SnO2 crystal surface allows us to propose a number of catalytic activity of SnO2 surfaces: (110) < (001) < (100) < (101). Preparation methods and synthesis parameters (nature and type of precursor, stabilizing agent and solvent, duration and temperature of the reaction, pH of the reaction mixture, etc.) determine the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (shape, size, morphology and degree of crystallinity). The main (sol-gel, precipitation and coprecipitation, CVD, spray pyrolysis, hydrothermal, “green”) and less common (detonation, electric discharge) methods of nano-SnO2 obtaining are analyzed in the work. A variety of methods of synthesis and conditions makes it possible to obtain SnO2 nanoparticles with desired properties, which determine the activity of tin oxide in redox reactions, namely: nanosize and morphology of particles with prevalence of the most reactive faces - (100) і (101). Among the methods that do not require complex hardware design, one can dwell on the methods of sol-gel, "green" and coprecipitation. Tin oxide is traditionally used as an abrasive for polishing metal, glass and ceramic products. The transition to nanosized particles allows this material to reversibly absorb and release oxygen, which has determined its use in the design of gas-sensitive and biosensors, the creation of solar cells, fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, oxidation catalysts, transparent and photoconductors. The multivalence and the presence of oxygen vacancies on the surface of tin oxide nanoparticles, the ease and speed of penetration into the cell membrane give nano-SnO2 properties of medicinal preparations, which makes it possible to use it in biomedical technologies for the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress lesions. The size, concentration of nanoparticles and modification of their surface are the key factors of influence, which usually intensify the antimicrobial, antibacterial, antitumor and antioxidant activity of the material.