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Pulsed secondary electron multipacting (SEM) cathodes with channel-type structures have been developed. The electron emission performance of these cathodes was investigated using theoretical and particle-in-cell simulation methods. The results revealed that the electrical conductivity of the channel wall material is crucial to the performance of the cathodes. Materials with low conductivity cause the SEM process in the multipacting channel to stop quickly due to the positive charges deposited on the channel wall. These positive space charges, generated by the SEM process, create a space-charge field that reduces the impact energy of electrons on the channel wall, thereby decreasing the secondary electron emission yield. Consequently, materials with high electrical conductivity and high secondary electron emission yield, such as SnO 2 , are advantageous for the SEM process, leading to stable current output from the cathodes with high current density. For a SnO 2 cathode with three multipacting channels, an output current density of 242 A/cm 2 was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The room temperature gas sensor has attracted sufficient attention due to the fact that low-power products are more suitable for practical environments. However, developing gas sensors with low detection limits remains challenging. In this paper, a room-temperature sensor was prepared by in situ growth of WO 3 nanospheres on SnO 2 inverse opal (IO) by aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) method, detecting ppb level of ammonia. The WO 3 nanospheres are directly fabricated on IO, and their elemental composition, morphology and structure is characterized using XRD, SEM and TEM. The results show that WO 3 nanospheres have been prepared on SnO 2 IO successfully. It showes that the WO 3 /SnO 2 (WS) type sensor has a detection limit as low as 1 ppb at room temperature from the gas sensitivity data. In addition, the sensor's response value to 100 ppm NH 3 reached 65 %. Its excellent sensing performance depends on the distinctive morphology features of WO 3 and SnO 2. The hierarchical characteristic effectively enhances the sensing performance for NH 3. Consequently, this presents a feasible solution for fabricating the room temperature NH 3 sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ag-SnO 2 contact material is widely regarded as the most promising environmental friendly electrical contact material. However, during the make and break operations, SnO 2 particles rising to the surface can cause increased contact resistance and temperature rise, which affects the service life of the contact material. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) Ni skeleton reinforced Ag-based contact material with CuO-coated SnO 2 are successfully fabricated via powder metallurgy technology. The basic physical properties of the novel contact material were tested and the microstructures and arc erosion morphologies were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The research demonstrated that the hardness and electrical conductivity of the novel contact material are 128.9 HV and 46 %IACS, respectively. It can be observed that the SnO 2 -rich phase is uniformly distributed in the Ag matrix without significant upward after arc erosion, which indicates that the SnO 2 @CuO core-shell structure effectively enhances the wettability between Ag and SnO 2. Meanwhile, the study revealed that the Ni phase uniformly distributed at the interface of the Ag phase during the arc erosion process, indicating that the 3D Ni skeleton structure effectively impedes the expansion of the Ag molten pool and improves the anti-arc erosion performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable inert anode presents a promising alternative to active graphite anodes in molten salt electrolysis, offering a significant reduction in CO 2 emissions. However, developing such anodes remains a significant challenge. In this study, a novel metal-spinel cermet inert anode for use in CaCl 2 -based molten salts was introduced. Three spinel materials—NiFe 2 O 4 , MgFe 2 O 4 , and MgAl 2 O 4 —were synthesized and their electrochemical properties were compared. It was observed that NiFe 2 O 4 emerged as the most effective spinel ceramic. Subsequently, 20 wt%(50Cu-Ni)- x NiO-NiFe 2 O 4 (x = 0, 10, 20) were prepared and evaluated. Furthermore, according to polarization behavior, density, and conductivity, the 20 wt%(50Cu-Ni)-10NiO-NiFe 2 O 4 anode exhibited superior performance in CaCl 2 -CaO molten salt, which outperformed conventional SnO 2 inert anodes. Its corrosion rate was measured at only 1.25 × 10−3 g cm−2 h−1 over 20 h of electrolysis. Additionally, carbon spheres were successfully prepared using the 20 wt%(50Cu-Ni)-10NiO-NiFe 2 O 4 cermet anode in CaCl 2 -5 wt% CaCO 3 molten salt, thereby achieving a current efficiency of ∼85.5 %. The NiFe 2 O 4 -based cermet exhibited significant potential as an inert anode for sustainable metallurgical processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a two-step hydrothermal technique is used to fabricate a NO 2 gas sensor based on MoS 2 nanoflowers with SnO 2 nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) , were used to determine the morphologies, nanostructures, and compositions of the materials. The nanocomposites consisting of MoS 2 /SnO 2 demonstrated a remarkable sensing response (38.6) towards 100 ppm of NO 2. Moreover, the nanocomposites showed a rapid response and recovery time (42/147 S) when exposed to 100 ppm at temperature (250 °C). The MoS 2 /SnO 2 nanocomposites demonstrated exceptional selectivity to NO 2 against CO, NH 3 , and H 2 S, as well as demonstrated good repeatability. The significant gas detection characteristics could potentially be controlled by the distinctive structures of thin layers assembled into flower-like formations of two-dimensional MoS 2. The multi-joint nanostructures promote the process of transferring the electrical charge of the carrier and the response to MoS 2 /SnO 2 and NO 2. The fabricated sensors are considered as potential candidates for the commercial in the nitrogen dioxide gas-sensing applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research focuses on the electrical properties of lead-free piezoceramics (0.985- x)(K 0.485 Na 0.485 Li 0.03)(Nb 0.96 Sb 0.04)O 3 -0.015(Bi 0.5 Na 0.5)ZrO 3 - x SnO 2 (KNNLS-BNZ- x SnO 2 , x = 0.003, 0.006, 0.009, 0.012, and 0.015). This study examines the influence of varying SnO 2 doping levels on the microstructure and piezoelectric properties of the ceramics. All the ceramics prepared demonstrate pure perovskite structure without any secondary phases. The Rietveld refinement analysis of XRD data reveals the existence of multiphase evolution around room temperature. The tetragonality (c/a) and cell volume of the ceramics tend to rise with an increase in Sn4+ content, potentially leading to improved ferroelectric characteristics. The optimum values obtained were Curie temperature (T c) = 395 oC, remnant polarization (P r) = 21.07 μC/cm2, piezoelectric coefficient (d 33)=357 pC/N, piezoelectric voltage constant (g 33) = 24 × 10−3 Vm/N, and figure of merit (FOM off) = 10.34 pm2/N, corresponding to the ceramic doped with x = 0.012 SnO 2. The findings indicate that an optimal amount of Sn4+ in the host composition KNNLS-BNZ improves piezoelectric properties by constructing an R-O-T phase boundary near room temperature. This study suggests that the ceramic with x = 0.012 SnO 2 exhibits a favorably high T c coupled with an exceptional energy harvesting capability, making it a suitable candidate for energy harvesting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we synthesize pristine and (Mg, Fe) co-doped SnO 2 nanoparticles using the chemical co-precipitation method, where the Mg doping amount is fixed (2 mol%) and the amount of Fe is varied between 2 and 6 mol%. The narrow and sharp natures of intense XRD peaks notify that the crystallinity is pretty well. The formation of the single-phase tetragonal rutile type structure of all prepared compounds has been identified by Rietveld refinement, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, the well incorporation of Fe and Mg in SnO 2 and absence of any other unexpected elements are confirmed by the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. How the co-doping of Mg and Fe alter the crystallite size, microstrain, and dislocation density of the prepared samples have been investigated by Scherrer method with various modified version of it, Williamson-Hall method (W–H) in three factions (UDM, USDM, and UDEDM), Size strain plot (SSP) method, Halder-Wagner (H–W) method, Wagner-Aqua (W-A) method, and Warren-Averbach (WA) method. The obtained crystallite size using the WA method is smaller than the other methods and Scherrer-based methods show much comparable (except SLMSE) sizes. Additionally, the W–H, H–W, SSP, and W-A plots show almost similar tendency of decreasing crystal size, increasing dislocation density and lattice strain with increasing doping. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) profiles revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles are agglomerated in nature, where the agglomeration increases with decreasing crystal size. The magnetic response of the prepared samples revealed a weak ferromagnetic (or soft magnetic) nature, where saturation magnetization increased due to doping, and a reducing trend of remanent magnetization and coercivity was explored which indicates the phase transition from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic. However, this soft magnetic nature was modified with the influence of defects like changes in lattice parameters, strain, and oxygen vacancy. This phase transition at higher doping concentration makes our nanomaterial as a suitable contender for memory devices, hyperthermia treatment, and photothermal effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes the synthesis of SnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x composites on porous graphene electrodes (PGEs) for high-performance humidity sensors. In the heterojunction structure of SnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x composites, SnO 2 nanoparticles prevented the layered structure of Ti 3 C 2 T x to collapse and restack. Moreover, the high specific surface area of the SnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x composites provided more adsorption sites that improved their response. Porous graphene was fabricated by a fiber laser-induced process on the polyimide film as an electrode layer for flexible humidity sensors. The characteristics of the SnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x composites and PGEs were examined and investigated. SnO 2 /Ti 3 C 2 T x composites were drop-cast on PGEs to fabricate the humidity sensor. Furthermore, the response of humidity sensors was tested in various RHs. The performance of the proposed humidity sensor demonstrated a wide detection range of 11–97 % RH, low hysteresis of 2.8 % RH, low response/recovery times of 14/49 s, high sensitivity of 862.19 kΩ/%RH, excellent long-time stability and repeatability, and good flexibility. In the future, the proposed sensor can be widely applied in human respiration monitoring, non-contact switch, and detection of volatile organic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron transport layer has always played a crucial role in the performance of the perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Particularly, SnO 2 -based PSC has sparked considerable interest due to its superior properties. Even with such remarkable properties, certain challenges persist such as agglomeration of SnO 2 particles which can lead to interfacial defects and poor morphology. To solve this problem, Agmatine Sulfate (AGTS) has been introduced as an interfacial modification agent which with the help of its active functional group including amide (-NH 2) and hydroxyl (OH) has allowed to facilitate the interaction at the interface between SnO 2 and perovskite. The interaction facilitates the growth of perovskite crystals while tuning the energy levels which has boosted the charge transfer capability of the layer. All these improvements in the properties have led to enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 11.17 % to 15.20 % for the encapsulated device. Furthermore, the modification also improved the long-term stability of the device as the AGTS-modified devices retained 87 % of their performance at 15–25 °C with humidity levels between 10 and 20 % for over a period of 31 days. Finally, the devices prepared with the AGTS also showed repeatability in their performance while boosting the overall performance of carbon-based PSCs (C–PSCs) and indicating a novel approach to not only increase but also accelerate the commercialization of C-PSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indium‐based transparent conductive oxide (TCO) films are widely used in various photoelectric devices including silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. However, high cost of indium‐based TCO films is not conducive to mass production of the SHJ solar cells. A variety of indium‐free or indium‐less TCOs are explored and utilized presently. Here, SnOx films are deposited by reactive plasma deposition (RPD) with metal tin as the evaporation source. The metal‐reaction deposited SnOx films feature low resistivity (<2 × 10−3 Ω cm), high mobility (35.93 cm2 V−1 S−1), and wide optical bandgap (3.64 eV). A power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.33% is achieved on the champion SHJ solar cell using the metal‐reaction deposited SnOx as the back TCO layer, which indicates the application potential of the metal‐reaction‐deposited SnOx as a low‐cost substitute for In‐based TCOs in SHJ solar cells and other photoelectric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sol–gel method is efficient and cost‐effective for synthesizing SnO2 sol, wherein SnO2 nanocrystallites (NCs) are stabilized by electric double‐layer of solvated ions tightly bound to their surface. However, this strong binding makes the removal of electric double‐layer residues from the SnO2 electron transport layer (ETL) to be difficult at low temperatures. This hinders both the close contact and subsequent growth among adjacent SnO2 NCs, leading to severe carriers scattering at grain boundary, adversely affecting the electrical properties of SnO2 ETL. Herein, SnO2 sol is synthesized via an ethanol‐based sol–gel method and aqueous ammonia (NH3·H2O) is introduced to effectively clean stubborn electric double‐layer residues within the SnO2 ETL at a low temperature (80 °C). Removing residues reduces the gap among adjacent SnO2 NCs and promotes further reconstructed growth through oriented attachment (OA), thereby reducing the number of grain boundaries. Hence, the energy barriers for electron transport decrease within the SnO2 ETL. Furthermore, MHP prepared on the treated ETL has fine‐tuned energy level alignment, improving the electron extraction capacity. Consequently, flexible perovskite solar cells (f‐PSCs) incorporating this ETL achieved a notable increase in power conversion efficiency, rising from 19.16% to 23.71%, as well as superior mechanical stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usage of non-renewable carbon-base fuel energy have created multiple issues such as global warming, environmental degradations etc. Replacing these non-renewable sources of energy with renewable energy (photocatalytic H 2 production) is a hot topic for researchers due to its sustainability and eco-friendliness. In this work MnO 2 , SnO 2 and their nanocomposites have been synthesized through simple hydrothermal and co-precipitation methods. The purpose of such nanocomposite fabrication is to synthesize a suitable heterostructure for maximum solar energy harvesting in water splitting. All the prepared samples of pure MnO 2 , SnO 2, and nanocomposites have been characterized through various techniques, which confirm the structure, functional groups, absorbance, morphology, elemental compositions, chemical compositions, and increase in photo-induced current as well as the photostability of such nanocomposites. The highest apparent quantum yield of the optimized MnO 2 @SnO 2 (first time reported as photocatalyst for H 2 production) were 21.7% at wavelength 420 nm, which is the highest ever reported for such (MnO 2 @SnO 2) nanocomposite. The enhanced photocatalytic behavior for H 2 production has been observed which is 3.67 times greater than pristine MnO 2. Such an enhancement is due to the synergistic effect of SnO 2 NPs decorated on the NTs of MnO 2. The present work provides a novel approach to produce hydrogen with high performance as efficient solar harvesting. • High-quality crystalline nanocomposites of MnO 2 @SnO 2 have been synthesized. • Various characterizations have been performed like XRD, FTIR, EDX, SEM, XPS, TEM, HR-TEM, EIS and GCG spectroscopies. • The suitable bandgap (MS-30) sample shows visible light absorption. • MS-30 nanocomposite shows an enhanced photocatalytic H 2 production performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room temperature detection is a crucial objective in semiconductor sensor research, given its inherent benefits including reduced energy consumption, extended sensor lifespan, and significant reduction of safety hazards. Herein, novel room temperature sensing materials, SnO 2 -modified In 2 O 3 porous microrods were synthesized, which exhibited exceptional sensing capability towards formaldehyde at room temperature. Specifically, the 5%-SnO 2 /In 2 O 3 porous microrods demonstrate an impressive sensing response across varying formaldehyde concentrations, even at sub-ppm levels (0.1 ppm, 5.22), with a theoretical detection limit of 5.47 ppb, thereby enabling the detection of trace amounts of formaldehyde. Moreover, the sensors exhibit superior formaldehyde selectivity, rapid response characteristic, as well as good stability and reproducibility. The exceptional formaldehyde sensing ability of the SnO 2 /In 2 O 3 sensor primarily arises from the creation of n-n heterojunctions at the SnO 2 /In 2 O 3 interface, effectively modulating the interfacial potential. Additionally, the presence of SnO 2 enhances the amount of surface-adsorbed oxygen species and active sites, thereby boosting sensing response. The porous rod-like structures further facilitate gas adsorption and diffusion, enhancing gas sensing capabilities. This work presents a novel strategy for constructing SnO 2 -In 2 O 3 heterojunctions to achieve room-temperature formaldehyde detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atom-thin SnO 2 (a-SnO 2) shows promising potential for applications in gas sensors. However, its high working temperature can cause agglomeration, leading to a decrease in the specific surface area and resulting in performance deterioration of the sensors. In this study, g-C 3 N 4 was utilized as a thermal support to address this issue and improve the gas-sensing properties of a-SnO 2. When a-SnO 2 was grown with 10 wt% g-C 3 N 4 dispersed evenly in ethylenediamine, the gas-sensing performance of the composite improved significantly, including the response value (R a / R g = 8.8–10 ppm HCHO), fast response (τ res = 1.6 s), ultralow detection limit (0.1 ppm), long-term stability and humidity-resistance properties. This work not only introduces a method to utilize a thermal support for atom-thin metal oxides, enhancing their stability at high working temperatures but also investigates the underlying mechanism. This study provides valuable insights into the application of ultrathin metal oxides. Additionally, it facilitates the development of a portable smart system for detecting HCHO contamination in practical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attempt to search for novel materials for optoelectronics material has become a highly debated and intensively investigated field of study. Within the scope of this investigation, Sn 0.94 Ag 0.06-x Mg x O 2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) polycrystalline samples were produced using the traditional solid – state reaction method, and their crystalline structure, micro – structure, Raman spectroscopy, optical, and transport characteristics were investigated. Confirmation of a single rutile phase with a tetragonal crystal structure through XRD (X – ray diffraction) analysis is revealed. The morphology study by scanning electron microscopy indicated the formation of nanometric grains. All elements are evenly distributed throughout the structure, as seen by the elemental color mapping. The successful incorporation of Mg/Ag to the SnO 2 lattice is evidenced by two prominent peaks in the Raman spectra of these compounds, with wavenumbers of 634 and 775 cm−1, which correspond to the A 1g and B 2g Raman modes, respectively. The UV – Vis spectrophotometer facilitated the acquisition of absorbance and transmittance data, which revealed that the optical band gap exhibited an expansion when the quantity of Mg/Ag co–doping increased in the SnO 2 material. The transmittance value was also shown to increase from 80 % to 90 % with increased Mg co–doping concentration. The Maxwell – Weigner model has been employed to fully understand how the dielectric constant (ε r), loss tangent (tan δ), complex impedance, and ac conductivity of Mg/Ag co–doped SnO 2 compounds behave depending on frequency. The current – voltage (I – V) characteristics of the sample were measured using a Keithley 6517b electrometer in two – probe mode with a Tin metal pressure contact. The properties of I – V exhibited an Ohmic behavior. A study on the room temperature resistivity reveled that the materials are highly resistive in the nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous pure SnO2 nanofibers (NFs) and La2O3 nanoparticles (NPs)-embedded porous SnO2 NFs were successfully synthesized via electrospinning followed by calcination. These materials were systematically evaluated as gas-sensing elements in metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) sensors. The La2O3 NPs embedded in porous SnO2 NFs demonstrated superior gas-sensing performance compared to pure SnO2 NFs. Specifically, the incorporation of La2O3 resulted in a 12-fold enhancement in gas-sensing response towards ethanol, significantly improving both sensitivity and selectivity by tuning the carrier concentration and modifying oxygen deficiencies and chemisorbed oxygen levels. Thus, La2O3 NPs embedded in SnO2 NFs present a promising strategy for the development of high-performance ethanol gas sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a highly toxic and corrosive gas commonly found in industrial emissions and natural gas processing, posing serious risks to human health and environmental safety even at low concentrations. The early detection of H2S is therefore critical for preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This study presents the development of porous ZnO/SnO2-nanocomposite gas sensors tailored for the ultrasensitive detection of H2S at sub-ppb levels. Utilizing a screen-printing method, we fabricated five different sensor compositions—ranging from pure SnO2 to pure ZnO—and characterized their structural and morphological properties through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Among these, the SnO2/ZnO sensor with a composition-weight ratio of 3:4 demonstrated the highest response at 325 °C, achieving a low detection limit of 0.14 ppb. The sensor was evaluated for detecting H2S concentrations ranging from 5 ppb to 500 ppb under dry, humid air and N2 conditions. The relative concentration error was carefully calculated based on analytical sensitivity, confirming the sensor's precision in measuring gas concentrations. Our findings underscore the significant advantages of mixture nanocomposites in enhancing gas sensitivity, offering promising applications in environmental monitoring and industrial safety. This research paves the way for the advancement of highly effective gas sensors capable of operating under diverse conditions with high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The splash of molten Ag under arc erosion is the major reason for the failure of Ag‐based contact materials. Changing the size of the molten pool may manipulate the splash process and suppress the arc erosion. Herein, the size effect by fabricating a SnO2 network with pores smaller than the typical Ag molten pool is investigated. Silver is subsequently infiltrated into the SnO2 network to form Ag–SnO2 interpenetrating contact materials. It is found that the SnO2 network with small pore sizes separates the Ag matrix into smaller regions, reducing the melting volume. Compared with the particle‐dispersed one, the interpenetrating composite decreases ≈90% mass loss and temperature rise, as well as provides superior microstructure stability. This finding demonstrates a promising way to improve the arc erosion resistance of contact materials by tailoring the size of molten pool, benefiting long‐lifetime contact materials for smart grid applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Pristine tin (Sn) and tin dioxide (SnO2) have sparked wide interest owing to their abundant resources and superior theoretical capacity. Nevertheless, the obvious volume expansion effect upon cycling and undesirable conductivity of Sn-based materials lead to undesirable specific capacity. In this work, a nanostructured Sn/SnO2/nitrogen-doped carbon (NC) superstructure was prepared through a facile electrospray-carbonization strategy. The Sn/SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were uniformly dispersed in a spherical NC matrix, which prevented the volume expansion and aggregation of NPs and facilitated the ion diffusion and charge transfer kinetics. When the optimized Sn/SnO2/NC superstructures were employed as lithium-ion battery anodes, a remarkable specific capacity of 747.9 mAh·g−1 over 200 cycles at 0.5 A·g−1 and a superior cyclability of 644.1 mAh·g−1 over 1000 cycles at 2 A·g−1 were obtained. This effective synthetic strategy for synthesizing superstructures provides valuable insights for the advancement of lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium (K) metal anodes are the most competitive candidates for low‐cost and high‐energy density rechargeable batteries. However, uncontrolled K dendrite growth strictly impedes the practical application of K metal anodes. Herein, a potassiophilic and conductive dual‐gradient free‐standing host (named TS‐PKS) composed of the bottom layer with Ti3CN and F doped SnO2 (F‐SnO2) and the top layer with perfluorinated sulfonic acid K (PFSA‐K) and ordered mesoporous silica (SBA15) is constructed to achieve dendrite‐free K deposition. The potassiophilicity and conductivity of the TS‐PKS host increase along with the depth direction to generate a bottom‐up dual‐gradient of K+ affinity and electroconductivity. Such bottom‐up dual‐gradient of K+ affinity and electroconductivity can synergistically manipulate uniform K metal deposition following the bottom‐up manner, preventing the notorious K dendrite growth. As a result, the TS‐PKS@K symmetric cell can stably cycle over 2800 h at 0.5 mA cm−2/0.5 mAh cm−2. Meanwhile, the TS‐PKS@K//PTCDA full battery also exhibits an initial specific capacity of 118.3 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 500 mA g−1 and maintains up to 81.1 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles. This novel dual‐gradient strategy design offers a straightforward approach to effectively manipulate K metal deposition manner for achieving dendrite‐free K metal anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) is a significant air pollutant with a notable environmental impact, necessitating precise monitoring. However, most existing NO 2 sensing materials exhibit low sensitivity and require high-temperature operation. In this study, we employed a hydrothermal and co-precipitation method to synthesize a novel ternary nanocomposite, In 2 O 3 /SnO 2 nanoparticles (NPs)/fluorine-doped carbon quantum dots (F-CDs). By varying the mass ratio of In 2 O 3 to SnO 2 NPs, we investigated the gas-sensing performance of the composite towards NO 2. The results demonstrate that when the ratio of SnO 2 and In 2 O 3 reaches to 1 : 2, the 2-In 2 O 3 /SnO 2 /F-CDs gas sensor exhibited the highest response, excellent selectivity, and remarkable stability under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation at room temperature (∼25 °C). Furthermore, the response of the 2-In 2 O 3 /SnO 2 /F-CDs gas sensor displayed a strong linear relationship with the concentration of NO 2 gas. At a NO 2 gas concentration of 3 ppm, the sensitivity was 238, which is significantly higher than that of In 2 O 3 /SnO 2 NPs and In 2 O 3 sensors. The response time and recovery time were measured at 62 s and 33 s, respectively. Finally, based on experimental characterization results and band structure analysis, we confirmed the promising effects of ternary nanocomposite in enhancing gas sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rh-doped SnO 2 nanofibers have demonstrated high selectivity and response in detecting acetone. However, these nanofibers operated at high temperature and exhibited a long recovery time. In this study, a two-dimensional material MXene was introduced into Rh-doped SnO 2 nanofibers, and MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x)/Rh–SnO 2 composites were synthesized via hydrothermal method. The morphology, structure and composition of MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x)/Rh–SnO 2 were systematically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller techniques (BET). The results indicated that MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x)/Rh–SnO 2 composites formed compact heterostructures. The effects of adding different volumes (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 ml) of 5 mg/ml MXene on the sensing properties of the composites were investigated. The sensing results showed that the composite of (1 ml) MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x)/Rh–SnO 2 achieved a response as high as 82.46 % to 100 ppm acetone gas at 100 °C and exhibited rapid response and recovery times of 3/8 s, compared to the optimal operating temperature (190 °C) and recovery time (43 s) observed with the pristine Rh-doped SnO 2 nanofibers, there is a significant improvement. It also demonstrated outstanding humidity resistance and a minimum detection limit of 0.6 ppm. Moreover, the addition of MXene not only significantly affects the sensing performance of the pristine Rh-doped SnO 2 nanofibers but also preserves its sensing advantages. The sensing mechanism of the MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x)/Rh–SnO 2 composites is also discussed. Herein, MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x)/Rh–SnO 2 composites presents a feasible strategy for enhancing the sensing properties of gas sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replacing antimony trioxide (Sb2O3) with an environmentally friendly alternative is of great scientific and commercial value for studying the flame retardant properties of flexible PVC (fPVC) films in automotive interior materials. This study develops flame retardant fPVC films with reduced Sb2O3 content by introducing stannic oxide (SnO2) and zinc borate (ZB). The results indicate that the fPVC film with ZB partially replacing Sb2O3 exhibits superior flame retardancy and smoke suppression compared to the product containing SnO2. The peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), and total smoke release (TSR) of 2ZB/2Sb2O3 fPVC film are reduced by 32.1%, 27.5%, and 22.1%, respectively, compared to that of 4Sb2O3 contained fPVC film. The increase in flame retardancy is attributed to the presence of ZB, which compensates for the deficiency of char formation ability of Sb2O3 in the condensed phase. The PHRR and THR of 2SnO2/2Sb2O3 fPVC film decrease by 27% and 12.5%, respectively, compared to that of 4Sb2O3 fPVC film, while the TSR increases by 16.5%. This study develops a straightforward approach to creating a flame retardant fPVC film that is suitable for the latest industrial application in automotive interior materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and tin dioxide (SnO2) form composites in a wide range of SnO2/rGO proportions, which are deposited as thin films on borosilicate glass and silica substrates. The rGO proportion affects the SnO2 optical properties and the sample surface, as observed by optical transmittance and confocal and scanning electron microscopies images, mainly for high proportion of rGO. For low proportion, the presence of small surface islands may contribute to optical confinement. The evaluated bandgap is basically from the SnO2 matrix unless the presence of rGO affects the optical absorption edge. Monochromatic ultraviolet light from a He–Cd laser (325 nm) irradiating on the composite film increases the conductivity, giving rise to the phenomenon of persistent photoconductivity (PPC), even very close to room temperature. Modeling by considering mainly the SnO2/rGO interface barrier for electron transport, yield an interface energy barrier of 250 meV. The strong response to ultraviolet light and the phenomenon of PPC indicates potential application in amplifiers, which could be adjusted by doping with rare‐earth ions, such as Er3+ in the SnO2 matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of Eu doping (0.5, 1 and 2 mol.%) and annealing in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere on the structure and optical properties of SnO2 nanoparticles were investigated in relation to electronic structure. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed single-phase tetragonal rutile structure for both synthesized and annealed Eu-doped SnO2 samples, except for the annealed sample with 2 mol.% Eu. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) emphasized that europium incorporated into the SnO2 host lattice with an oxidation state of 3+, which was accompanied by the formation of oxygen vacancies under cation substitution of tetravalent Sn. Moreover, XPS spectra showed the O/Sn ratio, which has been reduced under annealing for creating additional oxygen vacancies. The pulse cathodoluminescence (PCL) demonstrated the concentration dependence of Eu site symmetry. Combination of XRD, XPS and PCL revealed that Eu doping and following annealing induce strongly disordering of the SnO2 crystal lattice. Our findings provide new insight into the interaction of rare-earth metals (Eu) with host SnO2 matrix and new evidence for the importance of oxygen vacancies for optical and electronic structure formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the preparation of mesoscopic SnO2 nanoparticulate films using a Sn(IV) hydrate salt combined with a liquid pyrrolidone derivative to form a homogeneous precursor mixture for functional SnO2 nanomaterials. We demonstrate that N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) plays a crucial role in forming uniform SnO2 films by both stabilizing the hydrolysis products of Sn(IV) sources and acting as a base liquid during nanoparticle growth. The hydrolysis of Sn(IV) was controlled by adjusting the reaction temperature to as low as 110 °C for 48 h. High-resolution TEM analysis revealed that highly crystalline SnO2 nanoparticles, approximately 3–5 nm in size, were formed. The SnO2 nanoparticles were deposited onto F-doped SnO2 glass and converted into dense particle films through heat treatments at 400 °C and 500 °C. This pyrrolidone-based nanoparticle synthesis enabled the production of not only crystallized SnO2 but also transparent and uniform films, most importantly by controlling the slow hydrolysis of Sn(IV) and polycondensation only with those two chemicals. These findings offer valuable insights for developing stable and uniform electron transport layers of SnO2 in mesoscopic solar cells, such as perovskite solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its abundance, high theoretical capacity, and environmental benefits, tin dioxide (SnO2) shows great potential as an anode material in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, the inadequate electrical conductivity and significant volume fluctuations during the Na+ insertion/extraction process are major limitations to its practical application. Herein, few-layered MoS2@SnO2@C (FMSC) composites with hierarchical nanostructures were prepared through a two-step hydrothermal method. As expected, the electrochemical tests show that the FMSC exhibits superior electrochemical properties, such as an outstanding rate capability of 288.9 mA h g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1, a high reversible capacity of 415.9 mA h g−1 after 50 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g−1, and remarkable cycling stability of 158.4 mA h g−1 after 4400 cycles at a current density of 5 A g−1, as an anode material for SIBs. The exceptional performance can be attributed to the presence of a thin layer of MoS2, which enhances surface electrochemical reactions and provides a flexible structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the conducted research, a one-step hydrothermal synthesis of pure and titanium-doped tin dioxide quantum dots is elaborated upon, with a thorough analysis of their structural, optical, morphological, and photocatalytic properties undertaken using advanced analytical techniques. Through X-ray Diffraction XRD, the crystalline nature and phase purity of the tetragonal structures of SnDs were confirmed, with the crystallite sizes measured at 3.0 nm for SnD1 and 7.66 nm for SnD2, following treatments at 240 °C and 300 °C, respectively. The structural integrity of SnO 2 was maintained despite titanium doping. FTIR spectroscopy verified the existence of specific vibrational modes indicative of surface hydroxyl groups. HRTEM images revealed the spherical morphology of particles, with diameters of 3.5 nm for SnD1 and 9.1 nm for SnD2. Optical band gaps, determined through UV-DRS, ranged from 3.33 eV in SnD1 to 3.47 eV in SnDTi2. The photocatalytic degradation of Congo Red dye under xenon lamp irradiation was quantitatively assessed; notably, SnD1 exhibited a 23 % higher rate constant compared to SnD2, attributed to its smaller particle size and a 31 % greater surface area. Doping with 4 % Ti in Sn 0.96 Ti 0.04 O 2 more than doubled the degradation rate compared to a 6 % Ti doping in Sn 0.94 Ti 0.06 O 2. Furthermore, the generation of hydroxyl radicals was significantly enhanced, showing an increase of approximately 220 % for SnD1 and 80 % for SnD2. The capability of these nanomaterials to reduce the chemical oxygen demand of industrial organic pollutants to within regulatory limits under solar irradiation was documented, with SnD1 maintaining its photocatalytic efficiency over seven cycles of reuse. In the photocatalytic degradation rate of Congo Red dye, which was 23 % higher for SnD1 compared to SnD2, and the threefold increase in the degradation rate for SnDTi1 compared to SnDTi2. An economic assessment, based on electricity tariffs in Saudi Arabia, highlighted the cost-effectiveness of SnD1, which ranged from 26.93 to 30.36 USD per breakdown cost of the photodegradation process, showing it to be less costly than SnD2. Conversely, SnDTi1 was found to be more economical than SnDTi2, with costs ranging from 26.67 to 33.09 USD. Collectively, the results emphasize the outstanding photocatalytic performance and cost-efficiency of SnDs, reinforcing their potential as sustainable solutions for the treatment of industrial wastewater. Additionally, the antibacterial efficacy of these materials against a range of bacteria, yeast, and fungi was investigated and substantiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Element doping and interface modification strategy are effective methods to regulate the electrical properties of SnO2 electron transport material, SnO2/perovskite (PVK) interface, and PVK crystal growth. Herein, rubidium fluoride (RbF) is introduced into SnO2 colloidal dispersion, and then an ultra‐thin layer of 4‐carboxy‐3‐fluorobenzoboric acid (FBCA) is applied to the SnO2 layer surface. This synergistic modification strategy can improve the electrical conductivity of the electron transport layer, increase the chemical connection of the buried interface, improve the crystallization and grain growth of PVK, and thus promote the performance and stability of devices. The results show that the PVK solar cells (PSCs) with the synergistic‐modified SnO2 electron transport material (M‐SnO2) obtain an optimum power conversion efficiency of 21.92% and the unencapsulated PSCs sustain 91% and 87% of the original value, which stored in a nitrogen atmosphere and ambient atmosphere (25 ± 5 °C, 30–50% relative humidity) more than 1000 h, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnO2 is a widely used electron‐transporting layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells. Despite the high compatibility with the perovskite absorber layers, the presence of traps at the perovskite|SnO2 interface results in performance losses; hence, their modification to improve the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is therefore important. Herein, the SnO2 ETL is enhanced by incorporating a bifunctional aromatic amino fluorine molecule into the SnO2 precursor solution. The fluorine molecule is found to partially substitute the Sn and alter the energy levels while the aniline group aids in regulating the nucleation/growth rate of the perovskite crystalline films. Herein, a hole transporting material‐free carbon‐based PSCs (CPSCs) is fabricated. It is found that perovskite absorber layers deposited on these modified SnO2 hybrid layers have higher optoelectronic quality, resulting in enhanced photovoltaic performance, device stability, and reduced hysteresis in CPSCs. Devices made with the modified hybrid SnO2 layers exhibit power conversion efficiencies of 15.6% significantly better than unmodified SnO2 with 13.5%. CPSCs with these modified SnO2 films also exhibit remarkable retention of 88.7% of their initial PCE for a shelf‐life period (ISOS‐D1I) exceeding 1200 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prominent chemical bath deposition (CBD) method leverages tin dioxide (SnO2) as an electron transport layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), achieving exceptional efficiency. The deposition of SnO2, however, can lead to the formation of oxygen vacancies and surface defects, which subsequently contribute to performance challenges such as hysteresis and instability under light‐soaking conditions. To alleviate these issues, it is crucial to address heterointerface defects and ensure the uniform coverage of SnO2 on fluorine‐doped tin oxide substrates. Herein, the efficacy of tin(IV) chloride (SnCl4) post‐treatment in enhancing the properties of the SnO2‐ETL and the performances of PSCs are presented. The treatment with SnCl4 not only removes undesired agglomerated SnO2 nanoparticles from the surface of CBD SnO2 but also improves its crystallinity through a recrystallization process. This leads to an optimized interface between the SnO2‐ETL and perovskite, effectively minimizing defects while promoting efficient electron transport. The resultant PSCs demonstrate improved performance, achieving an efficiency of 25.56% (certified with 24.92%), while retaining 95.84% of the initial PCE under ambient storage conditions. Additionally, PSCs treated with SnCl4 endure prolonged light‐soaking tests, particularly when subjected to quasi‐steady‐state‐IV measurements. This highlights the potential of SnCl4 treatment as a promising strategy for advancing PSC technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of various defects within the electron transport layer (ETL), the perovskite (PVK) layer, and their interfaces significantly affects the efficiency, hysteresis, and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in n–i–p structure. Herein, a defect passivation strategy employing potassium 4‐methoxysalicylate (MSAK) is utilized to efficiently modulate the defects in the ETL, PVK, and ETL/PVK interface. The functional groups −COO− and −OH in MSAK molecules, along with the K+ cations, effectively reduce the defects of tin oxide (SnO2) and improve the electron transport properties. Importantly, the MSAK‐SnO2 provides a favorable substrate for the growth of highly crystallization and dense perovskite layers. The MSAK molecules also significantly passivate the bottom interface defects of the PVK layer by coordinating with under‐coordinated Pb2+ ions. Furthermore, K+ cations can migrate into the PVK layer, further enhancing crystallization and improving the photovoltaic performance of PSC devices. PSCs fabricated using the defect passivation strategy based on MSAK achieve a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.47%, alongside reduced hysteresis and enhanced stability. After being stored under ambient conditions for 60 days, the device with MSAK maintains nearly 90% of its initial PCE, whereas the PCE of the pristine device decreases to 69.7% after aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion batteries have consistently been a focal point of research in the field of energy. Traditional graphite anodes no longer meet the increasing demands for energy density. SnO2, with its high theoretical capacity, environmental friendliness, and safety, has emerged as a promising anode material for the next generation. However, issues such as volumetric expansion and agglomeration during charge–discharge cycles hinder its practical application. Addressing these challenges, this paper combines the high capacity of SnO2 with conductive and highly porous carbon aerogels, comparing the performance differences between composite anodes prepared by vacuum impregnation and hydrothermal methods. The results show the following: (1) high specific surface area carbon aerogels are beneficial for enhancing performance; (2) vacuum impregnation yields relatively higher initial capacity and better cycle stability; and (3) hydrothermal synthesis results in a higher loading of SnO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several theoretical studies at different levels of theory have attempted to calculate the absolute position of the SnO2 conduction band, whose knowledge is key for its effective application in optoelectronic devices such us, for example, perovskite solar cells. However, the predicted band edges fall outside the experimentally measured range. In this work, we introduce a computational scheme designed to calculate the conduction band minimum values of SnO2, yielding results aligned with experiments. Our analysis points out the fundamental role of encompassing surface oxygen vacancies to properly describe the electronic profile of this material. We explore the impact of both bridge and in‐plane oxygen vacancy defects on the structural and electronic properties of SnO2, explaining from an atomistic perspective the experimental observables. The results underscore the importance of simulating both types of defects to accurately predict SnO2 features and provide new fundamental insights that can guide future studies concerning design and optimization of SnO2‐based materials and functional interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organic pollutants discharged from industrial wastewater have caused serious harm to human health. The efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants under sunlight shows promise for industrial applications and energy utilization. In this study, a modified TiO2 photocatalyst doped with bismuth (Bi) and fluorine (F) and composited with SnO2 and SiO2 was prepared, and its performance for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated sunlight was evaluated. Through the optimization of the doping levels of Bi and F, as well as the ratio of SnO2 and SiO2 to TiO2, the optimal catalyst reached degradation efficiency of 100% for RhB within 20 min under simulated sunlight, with a first-order reaction rate constant of 0.291 min−1. This value was 15, 41, 6.5, and 3.3 times higher than those of TiO2/SnO2, Bi/TiO2, Bi-TiO2/SnO2, and F/Bi-TiO2/SnO2, respectively. The active species detection showed that h+ was the most crucial active species in the process. The role of Bi and F addition and SnO2-SiO2 compositing was investigated by characterization. Bi formed a chemical bonding with TiO2 by doping into TiO2. The absorbance intensity in the UV and visible light regions was improved by SnO2 and F modification. Composite with SiO2 led to a larger surface area that allowed for more RhB adsorption sites. These beneficial modifications greatly enhanced the photocatalytic activity of the catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal oxide core–shell fibrous nanostructures are promising gas-sensitive materials for the detection of a wide variety of both reducing and oxidizing gases. In these structures, two dissimilar materials with different work functions are brought into contact to form a coaxial heterojunction. The influence of the shell material on the transportation of the electric charge carriers along these structures is still not very well understood. This is due to homo-, hetero- and metal/semiconductor junctions, which make it difficult to investigate the electric charge transfer using direct current methods. However, in order to improve the gas-sensing properties of these complex structures, it is necessary to first establish a good understanding of the electric charge transfer in ambient air. In this article, we present an impedance spectroscopy study of networked SnO2/Ga2O3 core–shell nanobelts in ambient air. Tin dioxide nanobelts were grown directly on interdigitated gold electrodes, using the thermal sublimation method, via the vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) mechanism. Two forms of a gallium oxide shell of varying thickness were prepared via halide vapor-phase epitaxy (HVPE), and the impedance spectra were measured at 189–768 °C. The bulk resistance of the core–shell nanobelts was found to be reduced due to the formation of an electron accumulation layer in the SnO2 core. At temperatures above 530 °C, the thermal reduction of SnO2 and the associated decrease in its work function caused electrons to flow from the accumulation layer into the Ga2O3 shell, which resulted in an increase in bulk resistance. The junction resistance of said core–shell nanostructures was comparable to that of SnO2 nanobelts, as both structures are likely connected through existing SnO2/SnO2 homojunctions comprising thin amorphous layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed an electrochromic investigation to optimize the composition of reactive magnetron-sputtered mixed layers of zinc oxide and tin oxide (ZnO-SnO2). Deposition experiments were conducted as a combinatorial material synthesis approach. The binary system for the samples of SnO2-ZnO represented the full composition range. The coloration efficiency (CE) was determined for the mixed oxide films with the simultaneous measurement of layer transmittance, in a conventional three-electrode configuration, and an electric current was applied by using organic propylene carbonate electrolyte cells. The optical parameters and composition were measured and mapped by using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) measurements were carried out to check the SE results, for (TiO2-SnO2). Pure metal targets were placed separately from each other, and the indium–tin-oxide (ITO)-covered glass samples and Si-probes on a glass holder were moved under the two separated targets (Zn and Sn) in a reactive argon–oxygen (Ar-O2) gas mixture. This combinatorial process ensured that all the compositions (from 0 to 100%) were achieved in the same sputtering chamber after one sputtering preparation cycle. The CE data evaluated from the electro-optical measurements plotted against the composition displayed a characteristic maximum at around 29% ZnO. The accuracy of our combinatorial approach was 5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, ultrathin Al2O3 is investigated as a rear interface passivation layer for kesterite solar cells with F:SnO2 (FTO) back contact for potential performance improvement. On the passivation layer, a thin Mo layer is deposited to improve the FTO's ohmicity. Further, NaF is evaporated on the copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) precursors to create openings at the passivation layer and achieve Na‐induced benefits in the absorber. The CZTS absorbers deposited directly on the Al2O3‐coated FTO peel off, while those with Mo interlayer do not. For pure sulfide kesterite devices, the Al2O3 layer reduces the short‐circuit current density (JSC), resulting in poor device efficiency. On the other hand, significantly higher JSC is realized for mixed sulfide and selenide kesterite devices with Al2O3 passivation layer, with the current density–voltage curve suggesting a reduced barrier height at the rear interface. As a result, the efficiency is improved from 1.5% for devices without Al2O3 to 4.6% for those with Al2O3. Likewise, improved external quantum efficiency response is observed in the devices with passivation layer for backside and frontside illumination. Therefore, contribution of Al2O3 passivation layer to the performance of kesterite‐based solar cells is evident from the results of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electron transport layer (ETL), perovskite layer, hole transport layer, and electrode layer collectively constitute the perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Each of these layers plays a critical role in the performance of devices. However, there are mismatches in crystal structure and energy levels between ETL materials and the perovskite layer, resulting in numerous defects at their interface. In this study, multifunctional organic molecule called phosphorylcholine chloride is designed to modify the interface between SnO2 and perovskite layer. This modification serves to both reduce oxygen vacancy defects in the SnO2 and passivate defects in the perovskite layer. Consequently, the conductivity and electron mobility of SnO2 are improved, and the higher‐quality of perovskite film is obtained. Ultimately, the optimized PSC device achieves an impressive champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.34% with minimal hysteresis index. Even after 1200 h of ambient exposure at 25 °C and 25% relative humidity without encapsulation, the device maintains an impressive 91.44% of its initial efficiency. Additionally, a PCE of 22.38% is attained in flexible PSCs. This research will pave the way for the development of low interface defects, high stability as well as high PCE perovskite solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface modification of SnO 2 electron transporting layer (ETL) is investigated for the performance and stability improvement of perovskite solar cells by adding citric acid (SnO 2 -citric) and graphene quantum dots (SnO 2 -GQDs) in SnO 2 ETL precursors for carboxyl group and GQDs, respectively. As a result, the hydrophobic surface of SnO 2 -GQDs is obtained by adding GQDs to the SnO 2 precursor, forming SnO 2 -GQDs ETL. In addition, the hydrophobic surface of SnO 2 ETL is significant in increasing grain size crystallinity of perovskite obtained by this modification process. Also, the charge trap density and recombination carriers between ETL and perovskite interface were advanced. Thus, the surface modification of SnO 2 -GQDs ETL can enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs at the highest value of 17.81% from 15.52% with a decrease of the hysteresis effect. The enhancement is due to the combining effect of carboxyl groups and GQDs interface engineering between ETL and perovskites layers. Also, the stability of perovskite solar cells without encapsulation for 28 days is achieved. These suggest that the combining effect can be used in surface modification and for efficiency enhancement of PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of growing concerns over air pollution, particularly NO 2 emissions from vehicular and industrial sources, there is a critical demand for advanced gas sensors. Traditional metal oxide semiconductors, while widely used, face challenges such as poor selectivity and high operating temperatures. In this work, we have achieved a high selectivity and room temperature NO 2 gas sensor by composite of sponge-like porous cellulose with SnO 2 nanoparticle. As a result, the gas sensor exhibits excellent performance in terms of high response (260.4 at 20 ppm), excellent selectivity and low detection limit (100 ppb) for NO 2 gas, due to the unique sponge-like porous structure of cellulose with its high specific surface area facilitating the uniform distribution of SnO 2 particles. This study not only highlights the superior sensing capabilities of cellulose-based sensors but also lays the foundation for further advancements in environmentally-friendly gas sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline SnO2-HfO2 nanolaminated thin films were grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on SiO2/Si(100) and TiN substrates at 300 °C. The samples, when evaluated electrically, exhibited bipolar resistive switching. The sample object with a stacked oxide layer structure of SnO2 | HfO2 | SnO2 | HfO2 additionally exhibited bidirectional threshold resistive switching properties. The sample with an oxide layer structure of HfO2 | SnO2 | HfO2 displayed bipolar resistive switching with a ratio of high and low resistance states of three orders of magnitude. Endurance tests revealed distinguishable differences between low and high resistance states after 2500 switching cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin oxide (SnO2) based on chemical bath deposition method (CBD‐SnO2) is considered as an ideal electron transporting layer for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), however, the research on precise regulation toward CBD‐SnO2 layer is lacking. Here, the study introduces a multifunctional molecule, potassium 2‐(N‐morpholino)ethanesulfonate (MES‐K), on the surface of CBD‐SnO2 layer to synergistically modify the buried interface between the SnO2 and perovskite. It is found that MES‐K introduction can passivate interfacial defects, favor the perovskite crystal growth, and improve carrier transportation. 25.14% efficiency of small‐size perovskite solar cells has been achieved with 24.45% efficiency of 1 cm2 perovskite devices, with negligible hysteresis. Besides, unencapsulated devices based on CBD‐SnO2 can maintain > 95% of its initial efficiency after 2000 h storage at ambient environment, and > 90% after 1000 h LED illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interface mismatch between electrochromic materials and conductive layer seriously affects the cycle stability of electrochromic smart windows (ESW). However, it is difficult to improve the interface matching at the same time because of the different physical and chemical properties of anode and cathode materials. In this work, SnO 2 nanosheets are used as the interface modification layer between electrochromic materials and conductive layer. SnO 2 interface engineering significantly can improve the cycle stability of WO 3 film and Prussian blue (PB) film. The WO 3 /SnO 2 -PB/SnO 2 complementary ESW exhibits a high optical modulation of 60.2 % at 633 nm, fast response time (bleached/colored time = 8.5/2.5 s), and coloration efficiency of 91.7 cm2 C−1. The WO 3 /SnO 2 -PB/SnO 2 device can still maintain an optical modulation of 45.2 % after 2000 cycles, suggesting excellent long cycle stability. And the device shows the energy storage of 5.06 mF cm−2 at 0.1 mA cm−2, which can improve energy efficiency. The excellent electrochromic properties and energy storage suggests that SnO 2 interface engineering has a good application prospect in multi-functional ESW with excellent cycle stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin oxide (SnO2), with its low resistivity properties and high transparency in the visible spectrum, makes it an attractive electron transfer layer (ETL) for use in perovskite solar cells. Here, we use two techniques, coprecipitation and solvothermal, to synthesize pure and 4% copper‐doped SnO2. The X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed that the films synthesized using both methods have a crystalline structure with a tetragonal arrangement. Furthermore, the lack of any secondary peaks indicated the absence of mixed tin oxide (Sn2O4) or copper oxide (CuO) components. Additionally, it demonstrated that adding a 4% Cu doping concentration reduced the crystal size in both methods. The optical results indicate adequate transmission in the central range of the visible spectrum. Calculations were performed to find the energy gap of pure SnO2 in both techniques to be 3.85 eV and 4.17 eV, respectively. When we doped SnO2 with 4% Cu, this band gap energy decreased to 3.75 eV and 3.9 eV. Furthermore, with 4% Cu doping, the particle size decreases, as demonstrated by FESEM. The EDX spectroscopy images revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles consisted of copper, oxygen, and tin. The analysis of functional groups using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and the roughness analysis using AFM images showed a decrease in roughness from 46.1 nm to 12.3 nm in doped samples prepared by solvothermal synthesis, compared to those synthesized by the coprecipitation technique from 4.7 nm to 0.3 nm. We discovered that Cu plays an essential role in reducing nanocrystalline SnO2 particle sizes. In addition, the solvothermal technique is more impressive than coprecipitation in the synthesis of tin oxide nanostructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide-bandgap tin oxide ( SnO 2 ) thin-films are frequently used as an electron-transporting layers in perovskite solar cells due to their superior thermal and environmental stabilities. However, its crystallization by conventional thermal methods typically requires high temperatures and long periods of time. These post-processing conditions severely limit the choice of substrates and reduce the large-scale manufacturing capabilities. This work describes the intense-pulsed-light-induced crystallization of SnO 2 thin-films using only 500 μ s of exposure time. The thin-films' properties are investigated using both impedance spectroscopy and photoconductivity characteristic measurements. A Nyquist plot analysis establishes that the process parameters have a significant impact on the electronic and ionic behaviors of the SnO 2 films. Most importantly, we demonstrate that light-induced crystallization yields improved topography and excellent electrical properties through enhanced charge transfer, improved interfacial morphology, and better ohmic contact compared to thermally annealed (TA) SnO 2 films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the development of efficient and environmentally friendly synthesis methods for nanomaterials has gained significant attention in various research fields, particularly in gas‐sensing applications. Among these methods, ultrasonic synthesis stands out for its simplicity, cost‐effectiveness, and ecofriendly nature. Herein, a simple and green ultrasonic synthesis process is used to synthesize the SnO2 nanoparticles‐decorated rGO nanosheets. The obtained X‐ray diffraction reveals the tetragonal rutile‐type crystal structure. The transmission electron microscopy images reveal the decoration of SnO2 nanoparticles on the surfaces of the rGO sheets. SnO2 nanoparticles of size 4–8 nm are identified on the surfaces of the rGO sheets. Furthermore, the optical absorbance and photoluminescence spectra of the nanocomposites validate charge migrations occurring at the interface of SnO2 and the rGO sheets. Compared to the pristine SnO2 nanoparticles, the green ultrasonically synthesized SnO2 nanoparticles‐decorated SnO2/rGO nanocomposite exhibits better sensing performance against NO2 gas and shows selectivity for NO2 gas at 200 °C. The SnO2/rGO nanocomposite demonstrates high NO2 sensing with appealing sensing properties such as excellent responsiveness (67% at 400 °C), rapid reaction time (18 s), and short recovery time (25 s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructing heterojunction composites is an effective method to enhance the gas-sensing performance of metal oxide semiconductors. In this paper, In 2 O 3 hierarchical microspheres were hydrothermally fabricated, and they were coated with SnO 2 nanoparticles by a liquid phase deposition method to improve the sensor response to n-butanol. The impact of deposition time on the morphology, structure and gas sensing performance were investigated. The results indicated that the In 2 O 3 /SnO 2 composite hierarchical microspheres with a deposition time of 60 min possessed the largest specific surface area of 137.6 m2/g and the best gas sensing properties. Its response toward 20 ppm n-butanol gas at 140 °C was 359, which was much higher than that of pure In 2 O 3 hierarchical microspheres (the response was 51–100 ppm n-butanol gas at 140 °C). In addition to enhanced sensitivity, this sensor showed quick recovery time, excellent selectivity, repeatability, and long-term stability for n-butanol, indicating its potential for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin oxide (SnO2) has demonstrated significant potential as an electron transport layer (ETL) owing to its low‐temperature processing in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the poor energy‐level alignment and the presence of interface defects between the SnO2 and perovskite layer aggravate the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PSCs. Herein, heterovalent samarium cation (Sm3+) is deliberately doped into SnO2, optimizing the energy‐level alignment between SnO2 and the perovskite layer, and effectively passivating the oxygen vacancy defects on the surface of SnO2. Experimental and theoretical conclusions reveal that Sm‐doping successfully passivates the defects in the ETL and improves the perovskite crystal quality, thereby reducing interface charge recombination, and enhancing electron extraction from perovskite to the SnO2 layer. Consequently, the optimized Sm‐doped SnO2‐based PSCs achieve a PCE of 24.10% with a VOC of 1.174 V, negligible hysteresis, and improved durability under ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]