Preparation of Novel Nanomaterials

**Chapter 1**

**Abstract**

and Electronics

multifunctionality, sustainability

**1. Introduction**

**3**

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Zinc

Photocatalysis, Energy Harvesting

*Ana Isabel Bento Rovisco, Rita Branquinho, Joana Vaz Pinto,*

The massification of Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Surfaces has increased the demand for nanomaterials excelling at specific properties required for their target application, but also offering multifunctionality, conformal integration in multiple surfaces and sustainability, in line with the European Green Deal goals. Metal oxides have been key materials for this end, finding applications from flexible electronics to photocatalysis and energy harvesting, with multicomponent materials as zinc tin oxide (ZTO) emerging as some of the most promising possibilities. This

*Rodrigo Martins, Elvira Fortunato and Pedro Barquinha*

chapter is dedicated to the hydrothermal synthesis of ZTO nanostructures, expanding the already wide potential of ZnO. A literature review on the latest progress on the synthesis of a multitude of ZTO nanostructures is provided (e.g., nanowires, nanoparticles, nanosheets), emphasizing the relevance of advanced nanoscale techniques for proper characterization of such materials. The multifunctionality of ZTO will also be covered, with special attention being given to their

potential for photocatalysis, electronic devices and energy harvesters.

**Keywords:** hydrothermal synthesis, zinc tin oxide, nanostructures, nanowires,

Nanotechnology attracted wide attention over the last decades, leading to a very fast development of materials and processing routes. Different areas such as electronics, cosmetics, medicine/biology, optical systems, energy, and many others, have profited from this rapid growth. Having in mind the environmental issues that we are facing in the modern era, the importance of searching for environmentally friendly, recyclable and low cost nanomaterials and fabrication processes is essential [1].

This has been a concern in strategic areas as large area electronics (LAE), one of the fastest growing technologies in the world, with projected market growth from \$31.7 billion in 2018 to \$77.3 billion in 2029 [2]. LAE includes many segments (e.g., displays, sensors, logic, memory), which are desired to be seamlessly integrated on virtually any object to create smart surfaces. Due to their good electrical properties, transparency, large area uniformity and good mechanical flexibility, oxide thin

Tin Oxide Nanostructures for
