Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
Starting with a hydrated tin dioxide powder of 3nm size obtained by the sol-gel method, the effects of thermal treatments and grinding on the final structural properties of the nanoparticles have been investigated. It is observed that two regions with different structural properties can be distinguished in the range of temperatures between 250 and 1000°C. In spite of their large grain size (>15nm), above 350–450°C, these nanocrystals can be used as precursor powders for gas sensors because of their higher stability. Grinding of the starting material before calcination will be proved as a suitable method to obtain the sarne type of stability with lower grain size.