Review on oxides of antimony nanoparticles: synthesis, properties, and applications

In this article, synthesis methods, properties, and applications of antimony oxide nanoparticles are reviewed. Oxides of antimony exist in three phases, namely antimony trioxide, antimony tetroxide, and antimony pentoxide. Physical and optical properties of these nanoparticles are reviewed and compared with their bulk forms. According to literature works, a total of eight synthesis methods have been used to produce these nanoparticles. The size, distribution, shape, and structure of the nanoparticles which are synthesized by different methods are compiled and compared. It is reported that the properties are strongly dependent on the synthesis methods. Advantages and disadvantages of each synthesis method are discussed and compared. Most literatures report on the optical and physical properties of the nanoparticles. Reports on the electrical properties are scarce. As the applications of these nanoparticles cover a wide range, several challenges must be overcome to use them well. These challenges are also being presented and explained in this article.