Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: To synthesize the pure and tin doped chromium oxide nanoparticles and analyzing the structural, morphological, and elemental composition of the prepared samples. Methods: Sn²⁺ doped chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃) nanoparticles are synthesized by microwave-assisted solvothermal method which is simple and cost effective. The pure as prepared sample was subjected to TG/DTA analysis. The impact of the added dopant (Sn²⁺) on the Cr₂O₃ nanoparticles was investigated by X-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy, and Energy dispersive X-ray spectra.

Findings/application: The synthesized tin doped chromium oxide nanoparticles were annealed at 700 ˚C for 2 h to enhance the crystalline quality and to obtain the desirable crystal phase. The annealed samples were found to be in rhombohedral structure and its average grain size decreases from 24 to 10 nm on increasing the dopant concentration. The scanning electron micrograph corroborates that the prepared nanoparticles are mostly spherical in shape. The Energy dispersive X-ray spectra ensure the presence of Cr, O, and Sn. This study has proven that the particle size will be tuned by increasing the concentration of Sn²⁺ in pure Cr₂O₃ nanoparticles. The Cr₂O₃ nanoparticles are mainly used in paints and pigments, the reduction in size increases the coating performance such as scratch resistance, hardness, and UV resistance.

Keywords: Chromium Oxide, Solvothermal Method, X-ray Diffraction Pattern, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Rhombohedral, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectra.