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Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures are highly attractive for fabricating nanodevices due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and good compatibility with device design. In this work, without using any surfactant, the different mixed valence tin oxides were prepared by controlling the pH value of the precursor solution under simple hydrothermal condition. When the pH is at 3.22, Sn 3 O 4 2D vdW nanocrystals will be produced, which have the characteristic of layered structure with mixed valence as confirmed by HRTEM and XPS analysis. The Sn 3 O 4 nanocrystals show excellent adsorption and photocatalytic activity under the visible and infrared light, which is attributed to two-dimensional layered morphology, especial electrical structure and large mesopores structure. As the pH is increased to 9.72, SnO 2D nanocrystals with a layered structure similar to Sn 3 O 4 could be generated, which have an obvious infrared response. Moreover, while the pH is decreased to 0.89, the tetragonal rutile phase SnO 2-x nanocrystals with rich oxygen vacancies can be obtained. These tin oxides with different structures exhibit broad photo-response and high photocatalytic performance respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the gas-sensing characteristics of undoped SnO 2 , as well as indium (In:SnO 2) and titanium (Ti:SnO 2) doped SnO 2 nanostructures, which were synthesized using a homogeneous precipitation technique. Structural analyses indicate the presence of a tetragonal rutile phase with a preferred orientation along the (110) plane, with both doped samples showing shifts towards higher angles. Raman spectroscopy confirms the vibrational modes associated with SnO 2 in both the pure and In: SnO 2 samples, while the Ti: SnO 2 sample reveals vibrational modes corresponding to both SnO 2 and TiO 2. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicates shifts in the O-Sn-O and Sn-O bonds in the doped samples, suggesting the effects of doping. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results imply a combination of SnO and SnO 2 phases in the undoped SnO 2 , while In: SnO 2 samples display In-O bonding and the presence of metallic indium, and Ti: SnO 2 shows Ti-O bonding. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show agglomerated particles in the pure and In-doped samples, whereas the Ti-doped samples exhibit a flake-like structure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis verifies the integration of dopants into the SnO 2 crystal lattice, with average crystallite sizes measured at 44.46 nm for undoped, 34.06 nm for In: SnO 2 , and 42.63 nm for Ti: SnO 2. Gas-sensing experiments for CO 2 detection reveal that In: SnO 2 demonstrates the most significant sensing response. These results underscore the impact of doping on the structural, morphological, and gas-sensing attributes of SnO 2 nanostructures, offering important insights for the advancement of efficient carbon dioxide sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing hydrogen economy, hydrogen is expected to play a significant part in the decarbonization of the world's energy supply. However, the use of hydrogen technologies necessitates the implementation of rigorous safety measures, such as the deployment of accurate hydrogen gas detection systems. Tin oxide (SnO 2) has been mainly studied to detect H 2 gas-sensing applications due to its significant chemical and thermal stability properties. The present review article aims to provide state-of-the-art knowledge of current developments of low-cost, eco-friendly hydrogen (H 2) gas sensors (HGS) based on functionalized tin oxide (SnO 2) nanostructures (SNS), offering greater efficiency and enhanced precision. The review article discuss the various technologies with their fundamental mechanism of hydrogen gas sensing. In this review article, the different fabrication routes of SNS coupled with modifications in their structural, surface, chemical, and electrical properties via metal doping, heterojunctions, ion implantation, light-assisted, carbon, and polymer-based hybrids are taken into account. Further, the study emphasized factors affecting sensing performance, recent technological advancements, and prevailing challenges in the area of SNS-inspired HGS. The review presents a few knowledge gaps, translated herewith as future perspectives and recommendations to instant possibility for future research and development. Hence, the present study could foster novel initiatives that may pave the way to revolutionizing SnO 2 -based HGS. [Display omitted] • The review proves a state-of-the-art of current advances in SnO 2 -based H 2 sensor. • Article includes a comprehensive study of different hydrogen sensing technologies. • Different fabrication routes of SnO 2 -based H 2 sensors are summarized. • SnO 2 modifications via heterojunction, ion & light irradiation, etc. are explained. • Recent technological advancements, and prevailing challenges are well defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramics based on tin oxide (SnO 2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were sintered at temperatures up to 1400 °C. Except for the end members, all these ceramics are two- or three-phase composites containing spinel phase (Zn 2 SnO 4). Similar to pure SnO 2 ceramics, also the spinel-rich composite (50:50 mixture) does not exhibit densification after sintering at 1400 °C. Spinel Zn 2 SnO 4 is formed in all composites, with a major increase of spinel content at around 1000 °C. Young's modulus values, determined via impulse excitation, are between the exponential relation for convex pores and a benchmark relation for concave pores (or a percolation relation). The evolution of Young's modulus during sintering reveals significant differences between SnO 2 (weak increase above 1000 °C), ZnO (significant increase above 800 °C) and the composites (intermediate). Spinel formation is revealed during heating by a distinct peak (elastic anomaly) at around 1000 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe 2-x Sn x O 3 structures grown by RF-DC magnetron co-sputtering. The band gap of Fe 2 O 3 , SnO 2 , Fe 2-x Sn x O 3 structure was calculated as 2.86, 4.06, 2.77 eV, respectively. The Fe 2 O 3 thin film has shown a tetragonal as well as the SnO 2 structure, however, the Fe 2-x Sn x O 3 (0 < x < 1) has shown rhombohedral structure. XPS measurements have shown change in binding energy which is due to the electron exchange of tin-iron with oxygen, and iron - tin oxide structure. This binding energy increases slightly with the chemical environment effect. The films were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM). In AFM images was seen that the iron oxide structure was pyramidal and the tin oxide structure was spherical, similar to the SEM image. The response of the film to hydrogen gas was measured at flow values of 100, 500 and 1000 ppm at 300 °C. Fe 2 O 3 thin films show 46%, SnO 2 61% and, Fe 2-x Sn x O 3 6.5% response to 1000 ppm H 2 gas. It is seen that the gas sensor response was affected by the morphological and structural features of the grown film. Current vs. time graph for thin films gas sensor. [Display omitted] • Thin films were successfully grown by RF-DC co-sputtering system. • Metal oxide hydrogen gas sensor devices were measured depending on different grown structures. • Fe 2 O 3 , SnO 2 , Fe 2-x Sn x O 3 thin films show 46%, 61%, 6.5% response to 1000 ppm H 2 gas. • Iron oxide and tin oxide have n-type carrier, while iron tin oxide has p-type carrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous cobalt (III) oxide (Co 3 O 4) and mixed cobalt (III) oxide - tin oxide (Co 3 O 4 /SnO 2) were prepared by a novel template-based hydrothermal method resulting in their spherical morphology as confirmed by thorough physico-chemical characterisation. Two oxides were systematically examined as bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction (ORR) and evolution (OER) reaction in alkaline media by voltammetry with rotating disk electrode, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry. Low-cost Co 3 O 4 and Co 3 O 4 /SnO 2 electrocatalysts showed excellent ORR performance with low onset and half-wave potential, low Tafel slope, and the number of exchange electrons near 4, comparable to the commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst. Low OER onset potential of 1.52 and 1.57 V was observed for Co 3 O 4 and Co 3 O 4 /SnO 2 , respectively, with low charge transfer resistance under anodic polarization conditions. Finally, to test bifunctional activity and durability of the two electrocatalyst, switch OER/ORR test was carried out. [Display omitted] • Spherical Co 3 O 4 and Co 3 O 4 /SnO 2 were synthesized by the hydrothermal method. • Both electrocatalysts showed excellent ORR performance comparable with Pt/C. • OER at Co 3 O 4 electrocatalyst starts ca. 50 mV earlier than at Co 3 O 4 /SnO 2. • Co 3 O 4 /SnO 2 gave comparable OER current densities to Co 3 O 4. • Co 3 O 4 and Co 3 O 4 /SnO 2 could be promising candidates for metal-air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the synthesis of tin oxide (SnO 2) nanoparticles (NPs) through green methods has gained attention due to their potential application in photocatalysis. However, as SnO 2 can only be activated by UV radiation, developing new photocatalysts with high performance under solar light is a fundamental goal of many researchers. This paper proposes a one-step sustainable procedure to simultaneously synthesize and photosensitize SnO 2 NPs using natural dyes, ensuring a good performance under solar radiation. Characterization through TGA, FTIR, UV–vis, XRD, and TEM confirms the effect of the extracts on the one-step synthesis and photosensitization of the NPs. Finally, the photocatalytic activity of the photosensitized SnO 2 showed a significant improvement in comparison to unsensitized SnO 2 , i.e., while unsensitized SnO 2 degraded 11% of an organic pollutant, the sensitized SnO 2 achieved up to 97% degradation after 120 min of exposure to sunlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials based on tin (IV) oxide (SnO 2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were investigated in the search for active, environmentally benign, and inexpensive materials for the crucial reaction of CO 2 cycloaddition to epoxides to afford cyclic carbonates. In particular, nanoparticles (NPs), nanorods (NRs), nanosheets (NSs) and microplates (µPLs) were prepared and used in combination with small amounts of TBAI (tetrabutylammonium iodide) as the nucleophile. Different from the general case of metal oxides, often requiring harsh reaction conditions, the most active compound in this study, SnO 2 -NPs, served as an active material for the cycloaddition of CO 2 to several terminal epoxides under atmospheric pressure at moderate temperatures (60–80 °C) and could also be employed for converting internal epoxides under harsher conditions. Importantly, SnO 2 -NPs could also be used in the presence of impure CO 2 feeds (20% methane in CO 2) resembling low calorific landfill gas and could be recycled and reused. Overall, SnO 2 -NPs represent a promising, readily available, and inexpensive metal oxide-based material to produce cyclic carbonates under atmospheric CO 2 pressure. • Nanosized oxides of zinc and tin were explored for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates. • SnO 2 -NPs and TBAI catalyze the coupling of CO 2 and epoxides at atmospheric pressure. • Impure CO 2 could be used as the feed gas and the SnO 2 -NPs could be recycled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of the rapid thermal annealing (RTA) temperature on the NO 2 gas sensing properties of p-type SnO X thin films were investigated. The SnO X thin films were deposited using radio-frequency magnetron sputtering and subjected to RTA at 200 °C, 250 °C, and 300 °C. The deposited SnO X thin films contained both p-type SnO and n-type SnO 2 components, but the SnO was the dominant phase. The amount of SnO 2 components increased with increasing RTA temperature, but the highest amount of oxygen vacancy (O Vac) states was observed in the SnO X thin film annealed at 250 °C. The surface roughness of the SnO X thin film decreased as the RTA temperature increased. The SnO X thin film subjected to RTA at 250 °C exhibited a significantly higher maximum sensing response to NO 2 (4.25–10 ppm NO 2 at 60 °C) than those of the films treated at 200 °C (1.13) or 300 °C (0.92). The higher response was attributed to the larger amount of SnO 2 and O Vac in the thin film and large number of defects and cracks on the film surface. The experimental results demonstrated that the post-deposition RTA temperature considerably affects the NO 2 sensing properties of the p-type SnO X -based gas sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marriage of traditional gas-sensing semiconductors with low dimensional nanostructures is expected to exhibit interesting properties in the detection of hazardous gases. Herein, novel hollow-spherical heterojunctions are assembled for thin film gas sensors by using p-type black phosphorus (BP) and n-type tin oxide (SnO 2). Green synthesis strategies are employed to prepare BP nanodots and SnO 2 quantum dots. The aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition is used to prepare thin films with hollow-spherical heterojunctions. The BP incorporation significantly improves the gas-sensing properties of SnO 2 -based thin films, which demonstrate excellent response and repeatability to H 2 S at room temperature. The BP-SnO 2 heterojunction demonstrates more than twice the response and sensitivity of pristine SnO 2 thin film. Moreover, the recovery ability is significantly improved and LOD is decreased to 50 ppb. The hollow-spherical heterojunction has a joint gas-sensing mechanism contributed by both of SnO 2 and BP. The SnO 2 provides fundamental receptor function for gas detection while incorporated BP facilitates the adsorption of target H 2 S and provides additional electrons through the p-n junction tunnel. In addition, a slight negative dependence on humidity is observed for the gas sensor. It is ascribed to the competitive adsorption of water molecules on the BP-SnO 2 heterojunction surface against H 2 S molecules and chemisorbed oxygen. This work not only proposes novel heterojunction nanostructures for room-temperature gas detection, but also contributes to the functional integration of traditional gas-sensitive materials and emerging 2D materials in sensor technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationally designed combinations of semiconductor metal oxides (SMO) and carbon materials can lead to the development of sensing materials with excellent gas performance. Herein, SnO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) decorated on ordered mesoporous carbon (CMK-3) nanorods were synthetized by solvothermal and high-temperature calcination methods. Various characterization and gas sensing tests indicated that the resulting one-dimensional (1D) self-assembled SnO 2 @CMK-3 composite had a large specific surface area (88.02 m2/g) and excellent gas sensing performance. Specifically, at optimal working temperature, the as-prepared SnO 2 @CMK-3 sensor had a high response (122.1), low limit of detection, good linear fitting (R2 = 0.9892), rapid response/recovery time (5/27 s) towards 50 ppm acetone. Meanwhile, by detecting six gases, including acetone, ammonia, formaldehyde, xylene, triethylamine, and ethanol, it was found that the SnO 2 @CMK-3 sensor showed good selectivity to acetone. The unique nanostructure, large specific surface area, high oxygen vacancy content, and the formation of heterojunctions accounted for the good performance to acetone. These results highlighted the potential application of the SnO 2 @CMK-3 composite for the detection of acetone gas and presented a promising approach to prepare SMO@carbon composites for VOCs detection. [Display omitted] • SnO 2 @CMK-3 was synthesized using a facile solvothermal method. • The utilization of SnO 2 @CMK-3 for excellent acetone sensing was firstly reported. • The mechanism underlying of the sensing performance was thoroughly examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work explored the potential of utilizing Lanthanum doped tin oxide Sn 1−x La x O 2 (x = 0.01 to 0.1) based Metal-Semiconductor-Metal Ohmic photoconductors for optical memory applications making use of the persistent photoconductivity (PPC) property. The structural, optical, and electrical properties of Sn 1−x La x O 2 thin films deposited on glass substrates using the spray pyrolysis method, with a focus on the impact of lanthanum concentration on the photoresponse characteristics was investigated. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of oxygen vacancies and nanometric grain size in the films along with the typical Raman active modes of tin oxide. The Sn4+ and La3+ oxidation states in Sn 1−x La x O 2 as well as the contributions from lattice oxygen and oxygen vacancies were identified using XPS. Photoluminescence studies revealed emissions in the UV, violet, blue, and yellow regions, corresponding to tin interstitials, oxygen vacancies, and other defects, with intensity variations based on La concentration. All films exhibited n-type conductivity, with La content influencing both resistivity and carrier concentration. Photoconductivity measurements demonstrated enhanced photocurrent under UV illumination, with La doping affecting energy levels and defect states. The Sn 0.90 La 0.10 O 2 film possessed a photocurrent retention of nearly 64 % within a span of 104 s, showing that higher concentration of La favoured the enhancement of retention of photocurrent for a comparatively longer duration. The significant persistent photoconductivity requires the conditions like optically active materials, a built-in electric field to separate electron-hole pairs, and defect states to trap carriers, which are all met by the prepared Sn 1-x La x O 2 photoconductor with higher La doping levels, confirming the suitability of these films for practical use as optical non-volatile memory elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SAPFSO NPs were prepared by using the green method. • SAPFSO NPs exhibit anticancer activity against the human breast cancer cell line. • SAPFSO NPs exhibits antimicrobial activity against G + and G- strains. The green synthesis of inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles is essential because it reduces environmental impact and enhances biocompatibility by using eco-friendly materials and processes. This sustainable approach also minimizes hazardous chemicals, promoting safer and cleaner production methods. The sodium alginate-Pluronic F127-modified SnO 2 (SAPFSO) NPs were prepared using the green method using Psidium guajava leaf extract. The SAPFSO NPs exhibit a tetragonal rutile structure from the X-ray diffraction patterns. The FESEM and EDAX spectra identified the morphology and chemical composition. The Sodium Alginate, Pluronic-F127, and SnO 2 functional group vibrations can be seen in the FTIR spectra. The DLS spectra and hydrodynamic sizes of SAPFSO NPs were observed at 183 nm. The various surface defects of SAPFSO NPs were identified from the PL spectrum. The antimicrobial activity of SAPFSO NPs was tested against gram-positive and gram-negative strains such as S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, S. dysenteriae, S. pneumoniae, Bacillus megaterium, Proteus valgaris , and Candida albicans fungal strain using the well-diffusion method. To increase the concentration, SAPFSO NPs also increased the antimicrobial activity. The anticancer activity of SAPFSO NPs tested against the human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-237). SAPFSO NPs exhibits potential anticancer activity against triple negative breast cancer cell line. These results support that SAPFSO NPs can be applied in healthcare and industrial settings to improve human health. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the effect of solvent, i.e., ethanol and deionized (DI) water, on the structural, optical, and dielectric characteristics of SnO 2 nanostructures, synthesized via the hydrothermal method. Utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), we find the rutile phase for both nanostructures with average crystallite sizes of 12.53 nm and 6.62 nm for the samples synthesized using ethanol and DI water as solvents, respectively. The energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirms the presence of Sn and O elements in both samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that the samples prepared using ethanol and DI water exhibit nanorods and nanoflowers structures, respectively. The calculated band gap for SnO 2 based on ethanol and DI water solvents is found to be 3.54 eV and 3.45 eV, respectively. The SnO 2 nanostructure prepared by ethanol solvent demonstrates a higher dielectric constant which is attributed to higher defect density and more grain boundaries in it than in the sample synthesized using DI water. At low frequencies, the high tan δ values in the case of both nanostructures are explained based on space-charge polarization (SPC). The SnO 2 prepared by DI water exhibits higher tangent loss than the one synthesized using ethanol because of its significant surface area. The significant amount of conducting grains in the SnO 2 nanostructure while using ethanol solvent makes it a better conductive. Furthermore, the dielectric constant increases with increasing temperature which suggests considerable changes in the polarization behavior, while the tangent loss and conductivity demonstrate dependency on the temperature, indicating the promise of the nanostructures for electrical applications. • The impact of solvents on SnO 2 nanostructures' properties. • Rutile phase of both nanostructures. • Nanorods for ethanol and nanoflowers for DI water synthesis. • Higher dielectric constant and conductivity for ethanol SnO 2 , promising for electrical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • ALD-SnO 2 overlayer provides enhanced photoelectrochemical stability to ZnO thin films. • Ferrocene is a useful redox probe for the blocking-quality tests. • ALD-SnO 2 crystallizes to cassiterite upon heat treatment with minor changes of the band gap. • The electrochemical work-functions of (0001)/(000–1) faces of ZnO (wurtzite) flip in acetonitrile vs. aqueous electrolyte solutions. Zinc oxide thin films made by pulsed reactive magnetron sputtering combined with RF ECWR plasma on FTO or ITO substrates exhibit high photoelectrochemical activity for water splitting under UV light, but are unstable against photocorrosion. It can be suppressed by a protective layer of SnO 2 made by atomic layer deposition. The SnO 2 layer is quasi-amorphous in the as-received state, but the thermal treatment causes partial crystallization to cassiterite, without significant change of the optical band gap. Ferrocene in acetonitrile electrolyte solution is a useful redox probe for the blocking-quality tests of thin films of n-semiconductors. Both ZnO and SnO 2 are sensitive to irreversible electrochemical doping at potentials negative to the flatband potential. The flipping of electrochemical work functions of the Zn-terminated (0001) and O-terminated (000–1) faces of ZnO (wurtzite) takes place in acetonitrile vs. aqueous electrolyte solutions. The potentials for photocurrent onset are near the flatband potentials in an aqueous electrolyte solution for both ZnO and SnO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report herein, the microwave-assisted hydrothermal (MAH) synthesis of Nb5+-doped Sn 3 O 4 nanoparticles for the photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen (H 2). Nb5+ ions inside the Sn 3 O 4 created structural defects, contributing to a local structural disorder, as confirmed by micro-Raman spectra. Photoluminescence spectroscopy indicated the decrease of the violet-blue–green visible emission after adding Nb5+, revealing the formation of alternative energy pathways for the electron/hole recombination. Through the morphological analysis, it was observed that the Nb5+ dopant slightly changed the morphology of nano-petals in Sn 3 O 4. We demonstrate that the 3 % Nb5+ doped-Sn 3 O 4 photoanode presented higher charge carrier mobility, higher photocurrent density, and an impressive H 2 production of 1.50 mmol L−1 in a 3 h experiment, compared to the pure Sn 3 O 4 material. The best performance of the Nb5+ doped Sn 3 O 4 nanomaterial could be ascribed to the formation of new energy levels in the Sn 3 O 4 band gap, thereby inhibiting the electron-hole pair recombination and positively affecting the photoelectrochemical response of the doped material. [Display omitted] • Nb5+ into Sn 3 O 4 lattice obtained using a mild and environmentally friendly process. • Short-range defects generated by the Nb5+ ions insertion affects the photoluminescence. • Nb5+ ions improve the photoelectrocatalytic properties of Sn 3 O 4. • 3 % Nb5+ doped-Sn 3 O 4 exhibited excellent H 2 production of 1.50 mmol L−1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defect engineering in metal oxides is an effective approach for improving advanced oxidation processes. Herein, we report that regulating the defect types present on SnO 2 enables deconvolution of their distinct effects on organic oxidation. Nitrogen annealing created E′ δ center and non-bridging oxygen hole center (NBOHC) defects, while optimum hydrogenation introduced oxygen vacancies, significantly enhancing catalytic oxidation performance. Based on spectroscopic analysis, extended hydrogenation times passivated NBOHCs and formed new types of defects, such as electrons trapped in oxygen vacancies, which are less catalytically active in comparison with NBOHCs. DFT indicated that oxygen vacancies lower the energy barrier for oxygen activation as well as activation of the C-H bonds in formic acid, corroborating the experimental results of enhanced catalytic activity in samples with optimized defect concentrations. The current work advances understanding of the roles different defects play in enhancing organic oxidation in the ongoing search for efficient materials for oxidation reactions. [Display omitted] • Nitrogen annealing and hydrogenation were used to induce various defects in SnO 2. • Nitrogen annealing generates both non-bridging oxygen hole centers (NBOHCs) and E′ δ center. • Optimum hydrogenation introduces additional defects in the form of oxygen vacancies. • Prolonged hydrogenation passivates NBOHCs and generates new defects such as electrons trapped in oxygen vacancies. • Oxygen vacancies were predominantly responsible for oxygen activation leading to C-H bond activation in HCOO*. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells are recognized as one of the most efficient architectures in silicon-based photovoltaic devices. However, the reliance on indium (In)-based transparent conductive oxides (TCO) is anticipated to constrain their production capacity due to the critical and economically volatile nature of In. Recently, low-temperature-grown amorphous SnO 2 (a-SnO 2) films have been explored as an earth-abundant alternative TCO material. In this study, we examine the electrical contact properties of a-SnO 2 layers employed as TCO layers in SHJ cells, focusing on their interaction with the underlying carrier selective contact layers. Our findings indicate that a stack of doped amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and a-SnO 2 exhibits relatively high specific contact resistivity, leading to a significant reduction in the device's fill factor. To address this issue, we propose two approaches: the insertion of a thin ZnO-based TCO layer between a-Si:H and a-SnO 2 , and the use of nanocrystalline silicon layers in place of a-Si:H. Both approaches effectively reduce the contact resistivity, resulting in improvements in fill factor and conversion efficiency comparable to those of benchmark device with In-based TCOs. Based on these findings, we demonstrate a high-efficiency, In-free, SnO 2 -based SHJ cell. • Amorphous tin oxide works as an excellent TCO material. • High-efficiency silicon heterojunction cell with amorphous tin oxide is demonstrated. • Good electrical contact is the key for utilizing amorphous tin oxide. • Nanocrystalline silicon or interface TCO layer improves electrical contact with Si. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, synthesis of Cu-doped ZnO–SnO 2 nanocomposites was done by the hydrothermal method, to examine the photodegradation of methyl blue (MB) dye molecules under the exposure of visible light irradiation. Five samples were prepared with 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1 at.% of Cu, coded as CuZS0, CuZS1, CuZS2, CuZS3, and CuZS4, respectively. XRD and FTIR characterization techniques were used to analyse the structural properties and chemical bonding. FE-SEM confirms the gradual change in the morphology as CuZS3 shows the nano-capsule/rod-like morphology. The optical bandgap for the samples varied from 3.10 eV to 3.19 eV with Cu-doping. Photocatalytic activity of the samples show dependency on morphology as the degradation for CuZS0, CuZS1, CuZS2, CuZS3, and CuZS4 was found 60.5, 73.8, 79.6, 99.6, and 99.2 %, respectively. Optimized samples exhibit exceptional stability and reusability after five cycles, which was confirmed by post application characterization. Thus, prepared nanocomposites were found to be promising photocatalysts for organic pollutants. [Display omitted] • Cu-doped ZnO:SnO 2 nanocomposites were synthesized by hydrothermal method. • Effect of transition metal doping on structural and optoelectronic properties of ZnO:SnO 2 heterojunction. • Nano-capsule nanostructure showed excellent photocatalytic activity. • Exceptional stability and reusability were confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophagus cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related mortalities worldwide. In this study, we synthesized a biocompatible nanocomposite with green synthesized tin oxide using carvacrol, sodium allyl, and polyethylene glycol. Carvacrol is a phenolic monoterpenoid extracted from the essential oils of the plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Carvacrol possesses immense pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, etc. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of Tin oxide-Sodium alginate-Polyethylene glycol-Carvacrol (SnO 2 -SAPG-Carvacrol) nanocomposite. The synthesized nanocomposite was subjected to spectroscopic analysis, FTIR spectroscopic analysis, FESEM & EDAX analysis, TEM, and XRD & DLS analysis. The antimicrobial efficacy of SnO 2 -SAPG-Carvacrol nanocomposite against various microorganisms was analyzed using the disc diffusion method. MTT assay was performed to detect the cytotoxic effect of SnO 2 -SAPG-Carvacrol nanocomposite on KYSE-150–7 cells esophagus squamous carcinoma cell line. The apoptotic efficacy of SnO 2 -SAPG-Carvacrol nanocomposite was assessed with staining techniques such as DCFH-DA, Rhodamine 123 staining, and AO/EtBr staining. Oxidative stress markers were quantified to detect the anticancer property of SnO 2 -SAPG-Carvacrol nanocomposite. To analyze the anti-migratory effect we have done a transwell chamber assay. To confirm the anticancer potency of SnO 2 -SAPG-Carvacrol nanocomposite the cell cycle regulatory and apoptotic regulatory proteins were quantified. Characterization analysis of SnO 2 -SAPG-Carvacrol nanocomposite confirms it has a potent nanocomposite that can be utilized as a drug. MTT assay and staining results of SnO 2 -SAPG-Carvacrol nanocomposite treated KYSE-150–7 cells prove the apoptotic property of nanocomposite synthesized. SnO 2 -SAPG-Carvacrol nanocomposite treatment on KYSE-150–7 cells significantly increased oxidative stress thereby inducing apoptosis in KYSE-150–7 cells. The anti-migratory property of synthesized nanocomposite was confirmed with the transwell chamber assay. The ELISA results of cell regulatory and apoptotic regulatory protein confirm the anticancer activity of SnO 2 -SAPG-Carvacrol nanocomposite. Overall our results confirm that SnO 2 -SAPG-Carvacrol nanocomposite is a potent anticancer drug. [Display omitted] • Carvacrol has possess immense pharmacological properties. • Esophagus cancer is the sixth leading cause for cancer related mortalities. • The nanocomposite increased the Reactive oxygen species generation. • It also increased the proapoptotic and decrease the antiapoptotic proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the physical and chemical properties of H 2 plasma-treated tin oxide (SnO X) thin films, followed by their applications in ambipolar thin-film transistors (TFTs). Finely controlled H 2 implantation was carried out using a reactive-ion-etching system at a radio frequency power of 30 W and under various exposure times. H 2 plasma treatments induced changes in the chemical structures and surface morphologies of the SnO X thin films, including a partial phase transformation of Sn and SnO to SnO 2. The defects originating from oxygen vacancies (O Vac s) in the SnO X thin films were passivated by H via the formation of Sn–H bonds, which decreased the density of subgap states in the SnO X thin films. The H 2 plasma-treated SnO X TFTs showed considerably improved ambipolarity and electrical performance. Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) logic inverters comprising H 2 -plasma-treated ambipolar SnO X TFTs exhibited a maximum gain of 34.5 V/V at a supply voltage of 10 V. The results of this study present the meaningful investigation of H 2 plasma-treated ambipolar SnO X TFTs that can be used to fabricate CMOS circuits for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Innovative Synthesis Method: A simple and cost-effective method combining room-temperature hydrolyzation and annealing treatment is developed to synthesize SnO 2 @Fe 2 O 3 core-shell triple-layer boxes (TBs), eliminating the need for complex templating procedures. • Superior Gas Sensing Performance: The prepared SnO 2 @Fe 2 O 3 TBs exhibit outstanding gas-sensing properties towards HCHO, featuring high response and excellent stability, demonstrating the potential for highly selective and sensitive formaldehyde detection. • Insight into Gas Sensing Mechanism: The possible gas sensing mechanism and the enhanced HCHO sensing properties of SnO 2 @Fe 2 O 3 TBs are elucidated, providing valuable insights into the design of efficient gas sensors. Heterogenous SnO 2 @Fe 2 O 3 core-shell triple-layer boxes (TBs) are successfully prepared through using a combination of room-temperature hydrolyzation and annealing treatment on SnO 2 double-layer boxes (DBs). The crystallinity, morphology, and microstructure of as-prepared SnO 2 @Fe 2 O 3 TBs are detailedly characterized. Compared with those of referenced pristine SnO 2 or Fe 2 O 3 nanostructures, the overall cubic configuration of heterogeneous SnO 2 @Fe 2 O 3 with hollow interiors retains largely unaltered. Meanwhile, sensor based on SnO 2 @Fe 2 O 3 samples synthesized with Fe 2 O 3 /SnO 2 mole ratio of 1 exhibit superior response, excellent selectivity, shortened response-recovery time, and good long-time stability for formaldehyde (HCHO). It has the highest response (11.72) with the response/recovery time of 4 s/19 s to 50 ppm HCHO, respectively, and a low detection limit (1.07 to 200 ppb) for targeted HCHO under the optimal operating temperature (220 °C). The high absorption ability based on unique structural merits of hierarchically SnO 2 /Fe 2 O 3 subunit-assembled porous multilayers and synergistic effect of SnO 2 /Fe 2 O 3 heterojunction may contribute to their excellent HCHO sensing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The metal-glycerate framework engineered yolk-shelled copper-doped SnO 2 (YS-(5)CSO) hollow spheres. • The exterior shell of YS-(5)CSO was amalgamated with the MnCo2O4 (Np-MCO) nanoparticles to construct S-step Np-MCO@YS-(5)CSO heterojunction. • The photocatalytic system presented exceptional capability in the decontamination of levofloxacin and real pharmaceutical effluent. • The sturdy hybrid nanocomposite was confirmed through consecutive cycling runs and long-terms reactions. Despite the exceptional capability of photocatalytic systems, the development of highly-oxidative materials for the decontamination of tenacious pollutants is still vacant. The brilliance oxidation potential of tin-oxide which is much higher than that of TiO 2 together with its astounding stability in harsh oxidative reactions introduces a prospective candidate. However, the insufficient photoactivation of tin-oxide resulting from its wide bandgap energy prevented from the full exploitation of its intrinsic capability. Herein, the metal-glycerate-assisted metal–organic framework engineered yolk-shelled copper-doped SnO 2 (YS-(5)CSO) hollow spheres. The multi-level hollow spheres not only benefit from vase surface area, but also take the advantages of trapping photons by multi-reflation/scattering effect and effective charge dissociation by minimized ion diffusion path. The well-coordination of the dopant element in SnO 2 lattice induced enormous mid-gap defects to construct a visible-light-driven SnO 2. Moreover, the exterior shell of as-synthesized YS-(5)CSO was amalgamated with the MnCo 2 O 4 nanoparticles (Np-MCO@YS-(5)CSO) to construct S-scheme heterojunction. Under optimized operational conditions, the promising capability of Np-MCO@YS-(5)CSO was realized in total photodegradation of levofloxacin (LFC) (60 mg/L), which was 31.2 and 5.3 times kinetically greater than that of the pristine Np-MCO and YS-(5)CSO, respectively. Additionally, the engineered photocatalytic system presented exceptional capability in the decontamination of real pharmaceutical effluent under visible-light irradiation. In the term of stability matter, the photocatalytic performance of as-synthesized Np-MCO@YS-(5)CSO preserved under six successive cycling runs. The elemental leaching and post-characterization analyses after reusability tests revealed the high stability of Np-MCO@YS-(5)CSO nanocomposite, which endured during long-runs and vicious oxidative reactions without any failure. Generally, the combination of simultaneous Z-scheme heterojunction with the electronic modification of doping strategy bridges the gap between experimental investigations and industrial photocatalyst application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tin oxide TFTs were fabricated by solution process method. • Carrier modulation was performed by poly(vinyl alcohol) surface doping. • The electrical performances of the tin oxide TFTs were enhanced. Doping is a useful technique for metal oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) to adjust the threshold voltage and charge carrier density. However, a notable drawback is the disruption of the microstructure caused by doping crystalline lattice, leading to a partial decrease in charge carrier mobility. In this work, we suggest a surface doping technique that modifies the carrier concentration and passivates the device surface while preserving the channel layer lattice structure through the use of organic dopant molecules. It is shown that tin oxide (SnO 2) TFTs doped in this manner typically exhibit improved electrical characteristics, particularly greater mobility and a noticeably lower threshold voltage, without negatively affecting the devices on/off current ratio. Furthermore, compared to pristine devices, bias stress stability and long-term durability are also enhanced. These findings suggest that surface doping may find use in high-performance oxide semiconductor devices and circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of tin oxide (SnO 2) on the structure-optical features of borate glasses containing low cobalt oxide impurities was studied. The study was carried out on a glass system [x SnO 2 – (80-x) B 2 O 3 – 19.5 Na 2 O – 0.5 CoO]; x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mol%. Glass synthesis was carried out by the melt-quench technique. Structure and optical absorption spectroscopy were carried out to explore the optical transitions of Co cations inside the present glass matrix. The obtained results indicate that, with the further addition of SnO 2 content, the molar volume decreased from 31.675 cm 3 / mol to 29.147 cm 3 / mol. FTIR studies indicated the basic structural units of trigonal BO 3 units and BO 4 tetrahedra. Herein also, additional contents of tin oxide increased the nonbridging oxygen contents. The reason behind such increment is attributed to the existence of Sn 4 + ions in octahedral coordination acting as network modifiers. Optical absorption spectra indicated the existence of Co ions in both Co2+ and Co3+ oxidation states. Moreover, the existence of significant SnO 2 concurred with the significant blue shift in the visible absorption bands and red shift in near infrared absorption bands. The positions absorption bands of Co ions were analyzed in the context of ligand field parameters determinations. The obtained data of the crystal field splitting parameter (10Dq t) showed decreased values from 3451 cm−1 to 3364 cm−1 with more SnO 2 addition. While Racah parameter B values were also, attained showing increased values from 967 cm−1 to 985 cm−1 when additional SnO 2 is added. Further, the impacted role of SnO 2 addition on the structural and optical properties of the present glasses was finally estimated. • FTIR studies indicated the basic structural units of trigonal BO 3 units and BO 4 tetrahedra. • WIth the further addition of SnO 2 content, the molar volume decreased from 31.675 cm 3 / mol to 29.147 cm 3 / mol • Optical absorption spectra indicated the existence of Co ions in both Co2+ and Co3+ oxidation states. • The obtained data of the crystal field splitting parameter (10Dq t) showed decreased values from 3451 cm−1 to 3364 cm−1 with more SnO 2 addition. • Racah parameter B values were also, attained showing decreased values from 967 cm−1 to 985 cm−1 when additional SnO 2 is added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ambipolar SnO x film is a promising substitution for organic material as hole transport or interconnection layer in perovskite devices, and low temperature process is essential to avoid the decomposition and thermal stress of the perovskite material. In this work, we prepared the ambipolar SnO x thin film via atomic layer deposition in low temperature range of 40–120 °C, and systematically investigated the surface morphology, wettability, chemical, optical and electrical properties. The obvious absorption band in near-infrared revealed the mid-gap band which contributes to the hole transport for SnO x films. The film displayed only hole transport behavior with the mobility of 1.25 × 10−3 cm2 v−1 s−1 at 40 °C, and achieved best ambipolar property at 100 °C with the electron mobility of 4.84 × 10−3 cm2 v−1 s−1 and the hole mobility of 1.15 × 10−3 cm2 v−1 s−1. This study provides a practical approach to manipulate the carrier transport behavior, chemical, and optical property of ALD SnO x thin film deposited in low temperature range, boosting their further exploration and high-performance development in different device structures which apply p-n junctions. [Display omitted] • The relationship between parameters and property of low-temperature-processed ALD ambipolar SnO x film was systematically studied. • The energy level structure and optical property can be regulated through modulating the content of SnO in SnO x film. • The carrier type and mobility of ALD SnO x thin film can be modified through the introduction of mid-gap band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sputtered SnO x films from a SnO x target at P O2 = 0 Pa consisted of 42 % SnO. • The Sn2+ fraction increased to 62 % after high vacuum post-deposition annealing. • The p-SnO thin-film transistor exhibited I on/ I off = 5.1 × 104 and μ = 1.8 cm2/V·s. p-Type tin(II) oxide (SnO (Sn2+)) formation using radiofrequency (RF) reactive magnetron sputtering and post-deposition annealing (PDA) processes was investigated. The as-grown SnO x film deposited from an SnO x (SnO:Sn = 60:40) target by RF sputtering at an oxygen partial pressure (P O2) of 0 Pa consisted of 2 % Sn (Sn0), 42 % Sn2+, and 56 % SnO 2 (Sn4+). However, compared with the Sn2+ fraction observed after PDA under N 2 and low-vacuum (∼1 Pa) conditions, that after PDA at 300 °C under high vacuum (< 5 × 10−4 Pa) (HVPDA) increased substantially to greater than 62 %. This result was attributed to the transformation from SnO 2 to SnO during HVPDA. A staggered bottom-gate thin-film transistor with an SnO channel (10 nm), which was fabricated by HVPDA at 300 °C, exhibited p-type properties, including a relatively high on-current/off-current (I on / I off) ratio of 5.1 × 104 and a hole field-effect mobility (µ FE) of 1.8 cm2/(V·s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel flexible electrochemical sensor was successfully developed for the simultaneous determination of p-aminophenol and acetaminophen. The sensor is composed of a methanesulfonic acid-treated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonic acid) film on a poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate, which has been modified using a zinc oxide-doped tin oxide heterojunction applied through drop-coating (C-ZnO/SnO 2 -PEDOT/PET). The oxygen vacancies resulting from zinc oxide-doped tin oxide heterojunctions within highly conductive metal oxide nanomaterials enhance mass transfer and synergize seamlessly with methanesulfonic acid-treated electrically conductive dielectric PEDOT/PET films, leading to a substantial improvement in electrochemical activity. Under the optimal conditions, a wider linear range and lower detection limits were shown for p-aminophenol (2–511 μM, LOD=0.437 μM) and acetaminophen (2–591 μM, LOD=0.562 μM). In addition, the sensors demonstrated high accuracy in detecting p-aminophenol and acetaminophen in real samples, with recoveries of 99.36 %-99.60 % and 97.56 %-99.80 %, respectively. Furthermore, the flexible sensors maintained a superior electrochemical response when detecting p-aminophenol and acetaminophen at different bending angles, with relative standard deviations of 0.62 % and 1.68 %, respectively. These findings suggest potential applications for the development of wearable sensors in the future. [Display omitted] A flexible ZnO/SnO 2 -modified PET plastic electrode is successfully fabricated. The ZnO/SnO 2 -PEDOT/PET can achieve simultaneous determination of PAP and APAP. The flexible sensor shows the excellent sensing performances for toxic pollutants. The sensor shows an excellent reproductivity and anti-interference ability. The sensor can maintain a stable electrochemical response under different bending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we developed composites of palladium-decorated tin dioxide (PdSnO 2) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) by adding different amounts of HNTs as additives into PdSnO 2 , and investigated how the different amounts of HNTs in the composites and the different hydrogen (H 2) carrying gases (air and helium (He)) could affect the H 2 sensing performance of such composites (PdSnO 2 -HNT). Through the sensing-performance characterization using H 2 carried by air, it was found that PdSnO 2 with an appropriate small amount of HNTs (i.e., 2 % of PdSnO 2 mass) can improve the sensing performance with respect to limit of detection (LOD) and response/recovery time. Further, the optimal PdSnO 2 -HNT composite as a sensor was tested to detect H 2 in He. The testing results indicated that the composite can detect H 2 in He, but its performance parameters (i.e., the profile of calibration curve, LOD, and response time) are different from those of such a sensor in detecting H 2 in air. Moreover, the composite still presented better sensing performance than PdSnO 2 without HNTs in detecting H 2 in He. Possible reasons for the effects of HNT and H 2 -carrying gas on the sensing performance of PdSnO 2 -HNT-based sensors were discussed. We believe that this study provides valuable insights into the functionality and the adaptability of PdSnO 2 -HNT-based H 2 sensors in diverse operational conditions. [Display omitted] • Novel PdSnO 2 -HNT composites developed for enhanced H 2 sensing applications. • Investigation of HNT additives on the sensing performance of PdSnO 2 materials. • Characterization of H 2 sensing performance in both air and helium environments. • Improved sensing performance observed with a small amount of HNTs in PdSnO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As industrial effluents consisting of toxic organic dye molecules cause severe harms to humans and damages to the environment, the detoxification of industrial waste water becomes one of the priority areas to be considered by countries all over the world. In this context, the present study is focused on the synthesis of an eco-friendly nanocomposite SnO 2 :Mo/rGO to photo-catalytically detoxify dye effluents. The detoxifying efficiency of this photocatalytic nanocomposite prepared using the flower extract of Cassia fistula was examined by decomposing methylene blue (cationic-MB) and rose bengal (anionic-RB) dyes. The nanocomposite is found to be superior compared to its constituents (SnO 2 :Mo and rGO) for both MB (99 %) and RB (98 %) dyes. After treatment, the water was examined for its non-toxicity by supplying it for seed germination process using Cowpea seeds (Vigna unguiculata). The seed germination results clearly reveal that near complete detoxification of dye solution is achieved, when SnO 2 :Mo/rGO nanocomposite is used as photocatalyst. Thus, the SnO 2 :Mo/rGO nanocomposite synthesized using Cassia fistula flower extract can be considered as a potential photocatalyst for commercial dye detoxification processes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Synthesis of SnO 2 , PANI, and PANI-SnO 2 nanostructured materials (NSMs). • Evaluated for the photocatalytic performance to degrade various organic dyes. • PANi-SnO 2 NSMs exhibited higher photodegradation efficiency than pure PANI and SnO 2. • Improved photocatalytic efficiency attributed to PANI's photosensitive features. Herein, polyaniline-tin oxide (PANI-SnO 2) nanostructured materials (NSMs) were prepared by incorporating SnO 2 nanoparticles into the polyaniline (PANI) chain produced from aniline monomers. The structural, morphological, and optical features of materials were described using the scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), and ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. While a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed to assess the thermal stability of NSMs. Additionally, the as-prepared PANI-SnO 2 NSMs were employed as photocatalysts to degrade several dyes, including rhodamine B (RhB), methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB), and methylene red (MR). The PANI-SnO 2 photocatalyst showed degradation efficiencies of 84 %, 90 %, 92 %, and 60 % for RhB, MR, MO, and MB, respectively. Various factors, such as the amount of catalyst used, the amount of dye present, the effect of pH, and temperature, were also examined to determine the ideal conditions for degradation. The results showed that the photodegradation efficiency (PDE) of dyes was affected by these factors. Finally, the kinetics studies revealed that the PANI-SnO 2 NSMs follow the pseudo-first-order kinetics, which makes them ideal for large-scale degradation of biological and chemical contaminants. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The amorphous SnO showed maxima of the α - and β-mechanical relaxations. • The activation energy of vacancy-like defects migration of amorphous SnO is 1.22 eV. • The energy of vacancy-like defects formation of amorphous SnO is 1.25 eV. Inelastic relaxation in amorphous tin oxide thin films obtained by ion-beam sputtering in an argon atmosphere were studied. The films retain an amorphous structure after annealing at temperatures below 623 K for 30 min and crystallization begins after annealing at 673 K with the formation of two phases, where the SnO 2 phase predominates over the SnO phase. Annealing at 723 K for 30 min leads to a partial transition of the SnO crystalline phase to the SnO 2 phase. The temperature dependence of internal friction revealed maxima at 585 K and 603 K, identified as β - relaxation maxima, as well as at 690 K, identified as α - relaxation maximum. It is assumed that the β - relaxation maxima at 585 K and 603 K are associated with local hopps of oxygen atoms within the defect structure of SnO 2 and with local hopps of tin atoms within the defect structure of SnO, respectively. The exponential increase in internal friction up to a temperature of 690 K in the α - relaxation region is associated with the diffusion of nonequilibrium vacancy-like defects of the amorphous structure below the glass transition temperature and equilibrium ones above the glass transition temperature. Estimates of the migration energy and formation energy of vacancy-like defects in amorphous tin oxide were made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The SnO 2 -based ETL layer was enhanced by trap density reduction and making a small energy barrier between ETL and perovskite. • Using sodium trifluoroacetate, the electron mobility of the SnO 2 -based ETL was increased. • The CBM of SnO 2 was modified by reducing the energy barrier of SnO 2 and perovskite films. • By doping sodium trifluoroacetate in the SnO 2 film, the PCE of the perovskite solar cell changed dramatically. Recently, perovskite solar cells have attracted a lot of attention due to their great potential to get high performance and favorable features. One of the most dealt with electron transport layers (ETL) in perovskite solar cells is tin(IV) oxide because of its favorable band alignment in comparison with perovskite active layers' energy band and high charge mobility. Nevertheless, this famous ETL layer has some disadvantages that until now researchers are trying to solve them and the large amount of surface trap density of tin oxide crystals is one of these adverse features. In this research, we offer a new method to enhance the mobility and decrease the surface trape density of the tin oxide crystals ETL by doping sodium trifluoroacetate. By doping sodium trifluoroacetate to ETL Tin oxide-based ETL, the amount of oxygen vacancies in the ETL film shows great decrement and results in enhancement of the electron extraction in the perovskite solar cell. By using doped tin oxide-based ETL in the perovskite solar cell, we were able to achieve 19.51 % of solar cell efficiency with remarkable enhancement in comparison with tin oxide-based ETL without doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An innovative process was utilized to synthesize tin oxide (SnO 2), zinc-doped tin oxide (ZnSnO 2), and copper-doped tin oxide (CuSnO 2) nanoparticles (NPs) using the aqueous extract of Terminalia elliptica leaves through an eco-friendly, microwave-assisted green technique. • Their antioxidant and anticancer activities were evaluated by scavenging DPPH free radicals and testing against breast cancer cell lines. • The synthesized SnO 2 , ZnSnO 2 , and CuSnO 2 NPs exhibited antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria strains such as K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. dysenteriae , and P. aeruginosa. An innovative process was utilized to synthesize tin oxide (SnO 2), zinc-doped tin oxide (ZnSnO 2), and copper-doped tin oxide (CuSnO 2) nanoparticles (NPs) using the aqueous extract of Terminalia elliptica leaves through an eco-friendly, microwave-assisted green technique. The synthesized SnO 2 , ZnSnO 2 , and CuSnO 2 NPs exhibited antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria strains such as K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. dysenteriae , and P. aeruginosa. Their antioxidant and anticancer activities were evaluated by scavenging DPPH free radicals and testing against breast cancer cell lines. The ZnSnO 2 NPs demonstrated higher antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities than SnO 2 and CuSnO 2 NPs, suggesting their potential pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoresponse properties of nanocrystalline tin dioxide (SnO 2) thin films with different grain sizes were systematically studied for fabricating transparent oxide-based ultraviolet (UV) photodetector. SnO 2 nanoparticles were synthesized using the coprecipitation method and calcination temperatures were varied (400 °C–800 °C) to prepare SnO 2 particles of different grain sizes (∼8 nm–∼42 nm). Subsequently, thin films of SnO 2 nanoparticles were deposited using the spin-coating technique to fabricate UV photodetectors. The optical transparency of SnO 2 thin films was improved by 10 % with the increasing grain size of the sample, while the band gap of the films was found to vary from 3.718 eV to 3.761 eV. The responsivity (R λ) and the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of SnO 2 based photodetector were noticeably large (R λ = 200 mA/W and EQE = 90 %) in the UV range for devices with the smallest grain sizes (∼8 nm). Moreover, the same device exhibited a much faster photoresponse time (∼2 s) and a large photo-to-dark current ratio (∼103). The structural and spectroscopic studies on the SnO 2 thin films revealed that the microscopic parameters like grain size, grain boundary potential, and surface oxygen vacancies play significant roles in modulating the optical properties and photoresponse of the nanocrystalline SnO 2 thin films. [Display omitted] • SnO 2 thin films were prepared by varying nanocrystallite sizes in solution method. • Optical transparency of SnO 2 films was modulated up to 10 % with varying grain size. • UV photodetectors, fabricated on SnO 2 films, exhibited large ON-OFF ratio of ∼103. • SnO 2 photodetectors exhibited ∼200 mA/W responisvity with ∼90 % quantum efficiency. • Grain size and surface oxygen vacancies have a crucial role behind the observed results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anode-free lithium batteries are a safer and lighter alternative, because they eliminate the traditional host anode for lithium ions, thereby enhancing energy density and reducing the battery weight. However, challenges like dendritic growth and electrolyte decomposition persist, affecting battery lifespan. Here, we present a scalable technique using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of a tin(IV) precursor to directly deposit an artificial solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the copper current collector. The obtained SnO 2-x coatings, modified by oxygen plasma, exhibited remarkable electrochemical properties. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is employed to examine the surface composition and impact of plasma treatment, while long-term cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirm battery durability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle measurements elucidate coating homogeneity, with lithium nucleation overpotential during first cycle providing further evidence for homogeneity during lithium de-/plating. [Display omitted] • In this manuscript we present a scalable technique using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of a tin(IV) precursor to directly deposit an artificial solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on copper current collector. • The obtained SnO 2-x coatings, modified by oxygen plasma, exhibited remarkable electrochemical properties with 85 % CE retention and 99.6 % CR retention after 100 cycles. • X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is employed to examine the surface composition and impact of plasma treatment, while long-term cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirm battery durability. • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle measurements elucidate coating homogeneity, with lithium nucleation overpotential during first cycle providing further evidence for homogeneity during lithium de-/plating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance gas sensors have important application prospects in the detection and monitoring of toxic and harmful gases that exist in the environment and workshop. Herein, SnO 2 /ZnO nanoflowers with core-shell like structure were successfully fabricated by a two-step solvothermal method. Morphology and mineral phase characterizations demonstrate that the nanoflowers, composed of a SnO 2 flower core in a diameter of about 50 nm and ZnO nanoparticles embedded in the interstice of SnO 2 petals, has a novel mesoporous hierarchical structure with pore size distributed in about 3 nm and 30 nm and a specific surface area of 36.474 m2/g, benefitting to gas-sensing. The results reveal that, compared to pure SnO 2 nanoflowers, the optimal SnO 2 /ZnO (Zn/Sn is 5%) based gas sensor shows 2.7-fold sensing enhancement, fast response (3 s), long-term stability toward n-butanol. It has an outstanding selectivity to n-butanol rather than other gas, its response toward 100 ppm n-butanol at 200 °C is up to 13, 34, 15 and 32 times of that to acetone, xylene, ammonia and carbon monoxide respectively. Hence, SnO 2 /ZnO nanoflowers can be considered as a practical sensing material for n-butanol detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing SnO 2 /carbon composites is an effective strategy to improve the conductivity and buffer the volume expansion of SnO 2. However, it remains a challenge to combine SnO 2 and carbon materials tightly as a stable integration. Herein, a facile and versatile strategy of Sn/SnO 2 nanodots anchored tightly into carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with the decoration of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) for high performance supercapacitor is reported. Through a simple electrospinning and carbonization reduction process, a novel multidimensional carbon skeleton of GQD/CNF effectively improves the conductivity, and importantly, abundant Sn–O–C covalent bonds are constructed to anchor SnO 2 nanodots tightly into GQD/CNF, suppressing SnO 2 aggregation and facilitating electron/ion transfer kinetics. Consequently, as self-supporting and binder-free electrode material, Sn/SnO 2 /GQD/CNF displays high specific capacitance of 168.6 mA h g−1 (1349 F g−1) at 1 A g−1 with excellent rate capability (88.9% retention at 20 A g−1). Furthermore, a flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor based on Sn/SnO 2 /GQD/CNF and GQD/CNF achieves a high energy density of 32.3 W h kg−1 at a power density of 800 W kg−1 with remarkable flexibility and cycling stability (86.1% retention after 5000 cycles). The excellent electrochemical performances demonstrate that this novel carbon skeleton anchored active materials shows great potential for electrochemical energy storage applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4) has attracted substantial attention for photocatalytic applications owing to its many advantages as semiconductor to drive water oxidation. Despite possessing promising characteristics to be applied in photocatalysis, the fast electron-hole pairs recombination is still one of the drawbacks involving this semiconductor. The use of conformal layers to minimize such limitation and to improve charge separation is the aim of this work. Herein, we report on the use of SnO 2 as a conformal coating layer over the BiVO 4 surface for O 2 evolution reaction. The incorporation of SnO 2 over the BiVO 4 surface showed the beneficial effect in O 2 evolution compared to the pristine material, resulting in 490 μmol after 6 h of irradiation. Transient absorption and surface photovoltage spectroscopies indicate enhanced charge carrier separation and transport by passivating BiVO 4 with SnO 2 thin layer. Even though the O 2 evolution tests in this work were carried out without the presence of a co-catalyst, the use of a thin conformal coating of SnO 2 over BiVO 4 showed promising results for further studies. [Display omitted] • BiVO 4 @SnO 2 increased the amount of O 2 from 69 to 490 μmol after 6 h of irradiation. • The presence of SnO 2 protected BiVO 4 against charge carrier recombination. • SPS and TAS measurements confirm better charge carrier separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the design and synthesis of highly effective, abundant and low-cost catalysts to produce molecular hydrogen through the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) have been studied in a wide range of pHs to replace Pt. In this work, 3D flower-like and rod-like pure Sb 2 O 3 and Sn: Sb 2 O 3 particles by using co-precipitation methods were efficiently synthesized for electro-catalytic energy conversion applications. The morphologies and structure of the synthesized catalysts were investigated extensively. Electrochemical studies were carried out to investigate the catalytic performance of 3D flower-like and rod-like Sn: Sb 2 O 3 and pure Sb 2 O 3 particles for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) in acidic environments using 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 electrolyte. Among the prepared particles, 3D rod-like Sn: Sb 2 O 3 show excellent electro-catalytic hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) at 0.5 M H 2 SO 4. Moreover, we have obtained the high stability of the electrodes during chronoamperometric studies (current v/s time) approximately 2000 s at constant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]