Antimony-doped tin dioxide (ATO) is an n-type semiconductor functional material that exhibits high conductivity, high transparency in visible light, and strong near-infrared blocking properties. Its core functions are concentrated in the fields of transparent conductivity, antistatic properties, thermal insulation and energy conservation, electromagnetic shielding, sensing, and energy.
1. Core characteristics (basis of function): Conductivity: Sb⁵⁺/Sb³⁺ replaces Sn⁴⁺ to introduce free electrons, achieving a conductivity of up to 10³–10⁴ S/cm.
Transparency: Visible light transmittance **>80%**, light color, capable of preparing transparent functional coatings.
Thermal insulation: Strong absorption/blocking of near-infrared (NIR) radiation, high transmittance of visible light, achieving “transmitting light without transmitting heat”.
Stability: Acid and alkali resistance, high temperature resistance, good chemical stability.
II. Main functions and application scenarios 1. Transparent conductive and electrodes (electronic display / photovoltaic) Transparent conductive film (TCO): used in touch screens, LCD/OLED, flexible displays, electronic paper, replacing part of ITO (indium is scarce).
Solar cell: Transparent conductive electrode, enhancing photoelectric conversion efficiency, compatible with flexible perovskite solar cells.
OLED / Organic optoelectronic devices: Transparent anode / cathode, combining conductivity and light transmission.
2. Anti-static and static dissipation (industrial / electronic / textile) transparent anti-static coating: By adding it to resin / plastic, a high light transmittance (>85%), low surface resistance coating can be obtained, which is used for electronic equipment, optical lenses, and precision instrument casings.
Antistatic plastic/film: used for electronic packaging, clean room materials, and antistatic flooring.
Antistatic textiles: added during spinning/dyeing and finishing, used for cleanroom clothing and fabrics in explosion-proof environments.
Photoconductive Drum / OPC: Conductive primer for the drum base of laser printers, enhancing charge uniformity and prolonging lifespan.
3. Infrared blocking and energy-saving insulation (for buildings/automobiles/aerospace) – Energy-saving architectural glass/film: Blocks over 70% of near-infrared radiation, allows high transmittance of visible light, and reduces air conditioning energy consumption.
Automotive heat-resistant film/windshield coating: sun protection, temperature reduction, and enhanced driving comfort.
Museum display case/cultural relic protection glass: blocks infrared/ultraviolet rays to protect exhibits.
4. Electromagnetic shielding (electronic / military / computer room) is made into conductive coatings / Plásticos, which are used for electronic equipment casings, computer room walls, and shielding rooms to suppress EMI interference.
Flexible hydrogel / thin film shielding: compatible with wearable and flexible electronics, low cost, high shielding efficiency.
5. Gas sensing and catalysis (environmental protection/industrial safety) gas-sensitive materials: capable of detecting H₂, CO, ethanol, formaldehyde, and VOCs, with fast response, high sensitivity, and room temperature operation.
Photocatalysis: degradation of organic pollutants, used for wastewater/air purification.
6. Energy and Energy Storage (Lithium Batteries / Conductive Agents) Lithium Battery Anode / Conductive Additives: Improving Rate Capability and Cycling Stability.
Super capacitor electrode material: high specific surface area, good conductivity.
7. Optical polishing (precision optics) using nano-ATO as polishing abrasive: applied to optical glass, Lentes, and windows, achieving nanoscale roughness (≤8 nm), high light transmittance, and scratch-free surfaces, with efficiency superior to traditional SiO₂.
The tin antimony oxide, model KND-ST30, independently developed and produced by Konada, boasts a purity of over 99%. Its electron microscopy data ranges from 20 to 30nm, with a tin oxide to antimony oxide ratio of 95:5. It exhibits excellent antistatic properties and maintains good light transmittance in practical applications.
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