Synthesis and Functional Properties of Fine Neodymium Stannate Nd2Sn2O7 Powder

The microstructure and thermal behavior of fine neodymium stannate Nd2Sn2O7 powder, synthesized via the hydrothermal method, were studied in an air flow within the temperature range of 20–1000°C. For the first time, the electron work function from the surface was determined using Kelvin probe force microscopy; in an ambient air atmosphere without preliminary drying of the surrounding gaseous medium, it was found to be 4.24 ± 0.06 eV. Selected functional properties of the as-prepared Nd2Sn2O7 powder were evaluated. In particular, its gas sensitivity was revealed at a detection temperature of 500°C and a relative humidity of 50% to 4–90 ppm of NO2 present in air. A chemoresistive sensitivity to changes in air humidity was also observed. Electrochemical measurements of composite Nd2Sn2O7/C/PVDF films deposited on nickel foam, performed using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques, demonstrated their potential for use as electrodes in miniature energy storage devices.