EPR of Mn as densifying agent in SnO2 powders

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectra have been obtained at room te mperature and at X-band in powders of SnO2 doped with Mn from 0.3 to 10% an d submitted to heal treatment from 500 to 900 degrees C, Mn ions are probab ly located at particle surfaces as Mn2+, evidenced by its single EPR line w hich narrows by the exchange interaction effect due to particle growth obse rved by the BET technique. In samples doped above 1% formation of Mn3O4 is detected on particle surfaces and a small quantity of Mn is thermally diffu sed into the bulk as Mn4+, Powders compacted and sintered at 1300 degrees C confirmed that Mn2+ ions remain at grain boundaries acting as densifying a gent.