Preparation and characterization of nanocrystalline TixSn1−xO2 solid solutions via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis process

Abstract

Solid solutions of titanium-tin oxide were prepared by microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis (MAHS) from a solution containing TiCl₃ and SnCl₄. The unique heating of MAHS under the constant-power mode effectively reduced the difference in the formation rate of TiO₂ and SnO₂, resulting in the precise control of the solid solution composition. Enlarging the crystal size of single-phase, rutile-type Ti_xSn_1−xO₂ solid solutions can be achieved by annealing in air and the crystal phase is stable at 800 °C.