Well Dispersed SnO2 Nanoclusters Preparation and Modulation of Metal-Insulator Transition Induced by Ionic Liquid

Tin dioxide (SnO₂) has attracted broad interest due to its particular gas-sensor property. Nano- or atom-scale SnO₂ material has always been the aim in order to ultimately improve the sensitivity. However, until now, it remains difficult to synthesize SnO₂ nanoclusters by using traditional methods. In the present work, we have achieved the preparation of SnO₂ nanoclusters by using the cluster beam deposition technique. The obtained nanoclusters were well characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscope HR-TEM. Results indicated the formation of the well-dispersed SnO₂ nanoclusters with uniform size distribution (5-7 nm). Furthermore, an obvious metal insulator transition was observed by gating with ionic liquid. Combined with theory calculation, the corresponding mechanism was systematically analyzed from oxygen vacancy induced electron doping.