Structural and optical properties of SnO₂–Al₂O₃ nanocomposite synthesized via sol-gel route

A nanocomposite of 0.5SnO₂–0.5Al₂O₃ has been synthesized using a sol-gel route. Structural and optical properties of the nanocomposite have been discussed in detail. Powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction spectroscopy confirm the phase purity and the particle size of the 0.5SnO₂–0.5Al₂O₃ nanocomposite (13 to 15 nm). The scanning electron microscopy also confirms the porosity in the sample, useful in sensing applications. The FT-IR analysis confirms the presence of physical interaction between SnO₂ and Al₂O₃ due to the slight shifting and broadening of characteristic bands. The UV-Vis analysis confirms the semiconducting nature because of direct transition of electrons into the 0.5SnO₂–0.5Al₂O₃ nanocomposites.