PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING ANTIMONY-DOPPENED TIN OXIDE (ATO) NANO INFRARED BLOCKING MATERIALS

Abstract

The invention presents a nine-step process for fabricating ATO (antimony-doped tin oxide) nanocoatings with effective infrared blocking (>1.4 µm) and high light transmittance (>80%). First, precursor solutions of KSb(OH)₆ (Sb⁵⁺), K₂Sb₂(C4H₂O₆)₂ (Sb³⁺), and Na₂SnO₃ (Sn⁴⁺) are prepared separately in distilled water. Next, the mixture is blended at a ratio of approximately 7-10% Sb³⁺ / (Sb³⁺+Sb⁵⁺) and 10-30% Sb / (Sb+Sn), combined with pH adjustment to 3-5 using HCl to prevent premature precipitation. The mixture then undergoes a hydrothermal process at 180-210°C for 16-20 hours, producing a characteristic green ATO nanoparticle solution with a size of 6-8 nm. The product is centrifuged, filtered, washed, and redispersed in water, then PVA binder (10-20% by weight) is added to form a colloidal system. Finally, the ATO nanofilm is formed by scraping or dipping onto glass, then sintered to remove organic matter, creating a 0.8-2 µm thick coating for use in energy-saving glass.