What is Tin Oxide (SnO₂) Nanopowder/Nanoparticles?

Tin Oxide (SnO₂) Nanopowder, also known as stannic oxide, is a white or off-white nanomaterial composed of tin and oxygen atoms. With excellent electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and transparency in the visible spectrum, SnO₂ nanoparticles are widely used in gas sensors, transparent electrodes, solar cells, and catalysis. Their high surface area enhances their reactivity, making them ideal for advanced industrial and research applications.

Chemical Properties and CAS Number

  • Chemical Formula: SnO₂
  • CAS Number: 18282-10-5
  • Molecular Weight: 150.71 g/mol
  • Particle Size: 10–100 nm (typical)
  • Appearance: White to light gray nanopowder
  • Purity: 99% – 99.99%
  • Density: 6.95 g/cm³
  • Melting Point: 1630°C
  • Band Gap: ~3.6 eV (semiconducting)

Applications of Tin Oxide (SnO₂) Nanoparticles

1. Gas Sensors

Used in metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors to detect gases like CO, NOx, H₂, CH₄, and ethanol due to their excellent surface reactivity.

2. Transparent Conductive Films

Applied in ITO-free touch screens, solar panels, and smart windows as a transparent conducting oxide (TCO).

3. Photovoltaics & Solar Cells

Serves as a buffer layer or window layer in dye-sensitized and perovskite solar cells.

4. Catalysis

Acts as a catalyst or catalyst support in oxidation reactions, hydrogenation, and environmental remediation.

5. Battery and Supercapacitor Electrodes

In lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, SnO₂ provides high capacity and cycling stability.

6. Anti-Static & Antimicrobial Coatings

Incorporated into textiles, films, and paints to reduce static charge and bacterial growth.

Price Range (Indicative)

  • Lab-Grade Small Quantities: $150 – $400 per 100g
  • Industrial Scale: $1,200 – $3,000 per kg
  • Customized Orders (coatings, dispersions): Price varies based on functionalization and dispersion medium

Pricing Factors

  • Particle size (smaller = higher price)
  • Surface area and morphology
  • Surface treatment or functionalization
  • Purity level (standard vs. high-purity)
  • Quantity ordered and packaging requirements

Conclusion

Tin Oxide (SnO₂) Nanopowder is a multifunctional material offering high conductivity, transparency, and surface reactivity. It is essential in gas sensing, energy storage, optoelectronics, and catalytic applications, making it a cornerstone in the development of advanced materials and clean technologies.

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