large difference in decomposition temperatures of component
precursors in a solution can yield different nanoparticle
architectures: composites versus doped or solid-solution systems.
When the decomposition temperatures are significantly
different (or involve varying phase precursors), the
subsequent particle formation is decoupled between the two
component systems leading to a composite system (left on
Figure 7), while a relatively similar decomposition temperature
and particle formation time scales can potentially lead
to a doped or a solid solution system (right on Figure 7).
A doped system also has to be favored by the atomic or
ionic radii interactions within the specific crystal structure
[1, 11]. On the other hand, higher doping levels can result
in phase segregation within a solid-solution to ultimately
yield a nanocomposite system that is commonly observed in
alloying [37]. For the current system, it can be assumed the
later scenarios dominate for the Fe-incorporated SnO2 material
obtained. Vapor-phase TMT decomposition can occur at
much lower temperatures than documented decomposition
temperatures [38] and IPC already exhibits decomposition
temperature that is as low as 200◦C. Therefore, early com