Synthesis, characterization and electrocatalytic activity of SnO 2 , Pt–SnO 2 thin films for methanol oxidation

The study demonstrates an approach to synthesize nanocrystalline SnO 2 thin films on TCO (transparent conducting oxide) substrates. Un-doped and Pt-doped SnO 2 thin films have been synthesized from the precursor solution of stannic chloride (SnCl 4 · 5H 2 O) and chloroplatinic acid (H 2 PtCl 6 · H 2 O). X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques were used to characterize the thin films. Optical characterizations were carried out by UV–Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The present method provides a simple and cost-effective way to deposit highly stable SnO 2 and Pt–SnO 2 thin films. The synthesized films were used as electrode and its catalytic activity towards methanol oxidation was investigated. The study reveals that Pt–SnO 2 electrode is more effective for methanol electrooxidation than SnO 2.