Antimony Tin Oxide Nanopowder Dispersion (ATO, SnO₂: Sb₂O₃ = 90:10, 20wt%, 20nm) is a water-based dispersion containing antimony tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles with a specific ratio of tin oxide (SnO₂) and antimony oxide (Sb₂O₃). The material has the following key characteristics:
1. Composition:
- Antimony Tin Oxide (ATO):
- ATO is a conductive oxide material composed of tin oxide (SnO₂) doped with a small amount of antimony oxide (Sb₂O₃). The ratio of tin oxide to antimony oxide is 90:10, which means that for every 10 parts of antimony oxide, there are 90 parts of tin oxide.
- The addition of antimony in tin oxide enhances its electrical conductivity, making ATO a useful material in applications requiring transparent conductive films, electrodes, or transparent heaters.
- Concentration (20 wt%):
- The dispersion contains 20% by weight of ATO nanoparticles, with the remaining 80% being water. This moderate concentration is suitable for ensuring a stable dispersion while allowing for efficient usage in various applications.
- Particle Size (20 nm):
- The nanoparticles in this dispersion have a 20 nm particle size, providing a high surface area and improving the reactivity and performance of ATO in various applications.
2. Key Properties:
- Conductivity:
- ATO is known for its high electrical conductivity due to the presence of antimony which acts as a dopant in tin oxide. This makes it suitable for applications requiring transparent conductive coatings and electrodes.
- Transparency:
- ATO retains its transparency while providing conductivity, which is highly valuable in applications like touchscreens, solar cells, displays, and heating elements where both optical clarity and electrical conductivity are required.
- Stable Dispersion:
- The 20 nm particle size ensures that the nanoparticles remain dispersed in the water-based medium, preventing agglomeration and maintaining a stable and effective dispersion for industrial use.
3. Applications:
- Transparent Conductive Coatings:
- One of the most common uses of ATO nanoparticles is in the creation of transparent conductive films. These films are used in applications like touchscreens, displays, solar panels, and smart windows, where both transparency and electrical conductivity are important.
- Electrodes:
- Due to its electrical conductivity, ATO is used as a material for electrodes in various electronic devices, including batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells.
- Transparent Heaters:
- ATO coatings are often used in transparent heaters for applications such as windshields, mirror defoggers, and heated windows in automotive and aerospace industries.
- Antistatic Coatings:
- ATO is used in antistatic coatings to prevent the buildup of static electricity, which can damage sensitive electronic components. This property is useful in the manufacture of electronics packaging and protective films.
- Solar Cells:
- The transparent conductive nature of ATO makes it an excellent material for solar cells, where it is used as a transparent electrode to allow light to pass through while conducting electricity.
- Optical Applications:
- ATO nanoparticles can be used in optical applications where the material’s conductive and transparent properties are needed, such as in optical sensors, displays, and photovoltaic devices.
4. Advantages:
- High Conductivity:
- The doping of tin oxide with antimony significantly increases the material’s electrical conductivity, making it suitable for applications requiring both conductivity and transparency.
- Optical Transparency:
- ATO retains high transparency, which is critical for applications like solar cells and touchscreens where both optical properties and conductivity are needed.
- Stable Nanopowder Dispersion:
- The 20 nm particle size ensures good dispersion stability, preventing clumping and maintaining uniformity in the application process.
- Environmental and Industrial Use:
- Being water-based, the dispersion is safer and more environmentally friendly than solvent-based alternatives, making it more suitable for industrial and commercial applications.
5. Handling and Storage:
- Handling:
- As with all nanopowder dispersions, it is important to handle the ATO dispersion with care. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and masks to avoid direct contact with the dispersion or inhalation of nanoparticles.
- Storage:
- Store the dispersion in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the evaporation of water and to maintain the stability of the nanoparticles.
- Safety:
- ATO is generally safe for handling, but as with all nanoparticles, proper safety protocols should be followed to minimize any potential health risks.
Summary:
Antimony Tin Oxide Nanopowder Dispersion (ATO, SnO₂: Sb₂O₃ = 90:10, 20wt%, 20nm) is a water-based dispersion of antimony tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles, consisting of 90% tin oxide (SnO₂) and 10% antimony oxide (Sb₂O₃), with a 20 nm particle size and a 20% by weight concentration. It offers high electrical conductivity, optical transparency, and is suitable for a range of applications, including transparent conductive coatings, electrodes, solar cells, antistatic coatings, and transparent heaters. Its water-based nature makes it safer and more environmentally friendly than solvent-based dispersions.
