Sn Nanoparticles Research Articles

Exploring sustainable synthesis paths: a comprehensive review of environmentally friendly methods for fabricating nanomaterials through green chemistry approaches.

This comprehensive review delves into the burgeoning field of nanotechnology, where the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is strategically tailored to specific applications. Embracing the principles of green chemistry, nanotechnology increasingly utilizes environmentally friendly materials, such as plant extracts or microorganisms, as capping or reducing agents and solvents in the synthesis process. Notably, plant-based synthesis demonstrates enhanced stability and faster rates compared to microorganisms. The synthesized materials exhibit unique properties ranging from antimicrobial and catalytic effects to antioxidant activities and they are finding applications across diverse fields. Green synthesis processes, characterized by mild conditions in terms of temperature and reagents, stand in stark contrast to traditional chemical synthesis methods. This review focuses on the synthesis of various metal and metal oxide NPs, including Ag, Au, Zn, Fe, Mg, Ti, Sn, Cu, Cd, Ni, Co, and Ag NPs and their oxides, using plant extracts and microorganisms. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the advantages, disadvantages, and applications associated with each synthesis method. Additionally, we explore the future prospects of green synthesis and its limitations and challenges, offering insights into its evolving role in nanotechnology.

Homogeneous Deposition of Zinc on N-Doped Carbon Fibers Interconnected with Sn Nanoparticles for Advanced Aqueous Zinc Batteries.

Currently, inhomogeneous distribution of Zn2+ on the surface of the Zn anode is still the essential reason for dendrite formation and unsatisfactory stability of zinc ion batteries. Given the merits of strong interaction between Sn and Zn, as well as a low nucleation barrier during Zn deposition, the combination of metallic Sn with carbon material is expected to improve the deposition of zinc ions and inhibit the growth of zinc dendrites by guiding the homogeneous plating/stripping of zinc on the electrode surface. In this article, zincophilic Sn nanoparticles with low nucleation barriers and strong interaction with Zn2+ were embedded into 3D N-doped carbon nanofibers using a simple electrostatic spinning technique. Accordingly, when serving as an artificial coating layer for the zinc metal anode, an ultrastable Sn@NCNFs@Zn||Sn@NCNFs@Zn symmetric cell can be achieved for over 3500 h with a low nucleation overpotential of 29.1 mV. Significantly, the full cell device assembled with the as-prepared anode and MnO2 cathode exhibits desirable electrochemical behaviors. Moreover, this simple method could be extended to other metal-carbon composites, and to ensure ease in scaling up as required. Such significant approach can provide an effective strategy for the design of high-performance zinc anodes.

Sn Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Nanoporous Nitrogen-Rich Carbon Derived from Sn-MOF@ZIF-8 for Lithium–Sulfur Battery Separators

Sn Nanoparticles Encapsulated in Nanoporous Nitrogen-Rich Carbon Derived from Sn-MOF@ZIF-8 for Lithium–Sulfur Battery Separators

Low Ir-Containing Materials As Anode Catalysts for PEM Water Electrolysis

The PEM electrolysis is based on the application of IrO2 as anode catalyst. Until now, there is no real alternative for this electrocatalyst, since the highly acidic and oxidative conditions at the anode lead to rapid corrosion.[1-3] With steadily increasing energy consumption, the demand for iridium will exceed the available resources in a few decades. As a result, the price of iridium as well as the technologies based on it will continuously increase. An enhancement of PEM electrolysis capacities on a large scale can therefore only be realized in the long term if the application of iridium is significantly reduced.[4] Therefore, our research aims at reducing the iridium content of PEM anodes while maintaining catalytic activity and stability.In this work, two approaches to save iridium were applied. On the one hand the iridium content was reduced by supporting it, on the other hand an additional, readily available metal is incorporated that is protected from corrosion by the presence of iridium and at the same time assists the iridium in catalysis.So, bimetallic included low-loading Ir and different transition metal (Ru, Sn, and Ag) nanoparticles on titanium nitride (TiN) were synthesized by using a chemical reduction method and thermal treatment. Experimentally, a IrSnOx/TiN sample in 0.5 M H2SO4 with an Ir loading of 0.05 mgIr/cm2 achieves a mass activity of over 450 A/gIr at 1.6 V vs RHE and an overpotential of 297 mV at 10 mA/cm2. The investigation includes stability tests at constant current density of 10 mA/cm2 and determination of impedance by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).As result, a suitable anode material was successfully achieved, which exhibits a similarly good activity and stability values compared to the IrO2 materials that have been used industrially so far, but with a significantly reduction of iridium to 24% of the usually applied amount.[1] C. Minke, M. Suermann, B. Bensmann, R.H. Rauschenbach, Int. J. Hydrog. Energy, 2021, 46, 23581-23590.[2] F. Scarpelli, N. Godbert, A. Crispini, I. Aiello, Inorganics, 2022, 10, 115.[3] J. Gao, Y. Liu, B. Liu, K.W. Huang, ACS Nano, 2022, 16, 17761-17777.[4] T. Reier, H. N. Nong, D. Teschner, R. Schlögl, P. Strasser, Adv. Energy Mater., 2017, 7, 1601275.

Sn‐Doped Carbon Black as an Active Conductive Additive for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractCarbon black is commonly used as a conductive additive for lithium‐ion battery (LIB) electrodes owing to its high electrical conductivity and cost‐effectiveness. However, the role of traditional conductive additives has been limited to imparting conductivity to the electrode. In this study, we investigate the effect of incorporating Sn nanoparticles, which form an alloy with lithium, into a conductive carbon matrix (Sn@C) for enhancing the lithium storage capacity. This approach combines an active material with a conductive additive and successfully demonstrates the utilization of Sn@C as an “active” conductive additive for LIBs. Sn@C is synthesized via plasma engineering, wherein Sn nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed within a carbon matrix. When Sn@C‐500, Sn@C annealed at 500 °C, is used as an “active” conductive additive in LIB half‐cell with a graphite anode, ~10 % higher reversible capacity than that of a commercial conductive additive (Super P) is achieved. Further, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies reveal that Sn@C‐500 exhibits a lower internal resistance than Super P, confirming its effectivity in providing internal conductivity to the electrode. Our results open up the possibilities for improving the performance of graphite anodes in LIBs using Sn‐doped carbon as an active material and conductive additive.

Laser irradiation-induced surface-enhanced Raman scattering of Sn@SnO composite films

In this work, Sn@SnO composite films were obtained by Nd:YAG fiber pulsed laser ablation at room temperature. The effects of laser ablation on the microstructure, optical properties, and Raman scattering properties of the films were investigated. Tunable Localized Surface Plasmon resonance(LSPR)of Sn nanoparticles was realized in the wavelength range of 380–450 nm by varying the scanning rate to modulate the degree of oxidation of Sn nanoparticles. Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was also observed in the composite structure, which was demonstrated excellent stability and SERS sensitivity with the detectable concentration of methylene blue (MB) as low as 10−9 M and an enhancement factor of 1.75 × 105 as well as a good uniformity. Finally, the electric field distribution of the samples before and after the laser treatment is simulated by the finite difference in time domain (FDTD) method, and the results are consistent with those of experimental ones.

Enhancing electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries with diverse nanomaterials

Abstract Although lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can be widely used, there are some challenges such as safety risks, lower energy density compared to fossil fuels, high cost, long charging times and limited range in electric vehicles. Nanomaterials, with their unique properties and surface effects, can effectively address these challenges and improve the electrochemical performance of LIBs. This research introduces six types of nanomaterials used in LIBs, including TiS3 nanoflakes, ZnMn2O4 nanobundles, ZrO2 surface-modified cathode material, nitrogen-doped carbon fibers with tin (Sn) nanoparticles, carbon nanosheets, and nanostructured bismuth-carbon composites. These recent advancements in nanomaterials can improve electrochemical performance of LIBs, such as specific capacity, cycling ability and stability. The study offers some innovative insights and approaches in using nanomaterials and synthesizing them for emerging battery technologies. In addition, this research is wished to provide a fresh perspective and methodology that can advance the performance and design of LIBs, and provide a new design approach for nanomaterials.

Tailored eutectic alloy coating for enhanced EMI and X-ray protection by basalt fiber CNT/epoxy composite

In this study, eutectic-Bi–Sn-coated basalt fiber (BF)-reinforced carbon nanotube (CNT)/epoxy hybrid composites were fabricated for dual functionality, i.e., in managing and shielding clinical X-ray radiation and electromagnetic interference (EMI). BF mats were coated with Bi–Sn nanoparticles and subsequently layered with multi-walled CNTs mixed epoxy resin using the vacuum-assisted resin transfer method. High resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed a good dispersion of Bi–Sn nanoparticles over BF and, CNTs within the epoxy matrix. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of Bi–Sn, basalt, and CNT phases in the composites. High-resolution Raman spectroscopy revealed characteristic peaks corresponding to the CNTs, epoxy, and Bi–Sn phases. EMI total shielding effectiveness (SET) analysis in the X-band frequency range (8.2–12.4 GHz) demonstrated that the Bi–Sn/BF/CNT/epoxy (S3) exhibits the highest SET value of 30.4 dB, which is attributable to the synergistic effect of the Bi–Sn coating and CNT filler. Analysis of X-ray-radiation leakage revealed that all the composite samples effectively attenuated X-rays with minimal leakage, limited to 6.8 mR. These results indicate the potential of these composites for applications as eco-friendly, non-toxic, and lead-free various industries including healthcare, electronics, aerospace, and defense.

Reusable multifunctional interlayer for dendrite-free and ultrastable zinc anodes via regulating zinc-ion transport and inhibiting hydrogen evolution

The practical application of zinc anodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) is hindered due to uncontrollable dendritic Zn deposition and side reactions. Herein, a reusable interlayer constructed from Sn nanoparticles-modified polyhydroxy semi-carbonized bacterial cellulose (Sn@PHCBC) with three-dimensional interconnected network structure is proposed to achieve sustainable and smooth regulation of zinc anode. The suppression of dendrites is primarily attributed to the uniform Zn ions flux constructed by reversible Sn-Zn alloy nanoparticles channel, as well as the targeted transport and rapid desolvation of hydrated zinc ions through hydroxyl groups of PHCBC. Additionally, the abundant high overpotential Sn nanoparticles anchored in Sn@PHCBC interlayer effectively inhibit the hydrogen evolution reaction and minimize the formation of byproducts. As a result, the Zn||Zn symmetrical cell assembled with Sn@PHCBC interlayer demonstrates highly reversible electroplating/stripping behavior with an extended lifespan of 800 h at high current densities of 10 mA cm−2 and 10 mAh cm−2. Besides, after 1000 cycles of MnO2||Sn@PHCBC//Zn full cell, the Sn@PHCBC interlayer can still be reused with nearly 100 % coulombic efficiency after simple treatment. The rational design in this work provides a feasible solution for high-performance ZIBs and promote the development of advanced energy storage devices reutilization.

Solution processed highly UV sensitive photodetector based on sub 5 nm Sn nanoparticles blended with TiO2 nanofibers

This article presents succinct report on a highly UV sensitive MSM photodetector based on sub 5 nm Sn nanoparticles titanium dioxide nanofibers Sn(NPs)-TiO2(NFs) on a glass substrate. Sn nanoparticles-titanium dioxide nanofibers Sn(NPs)-TiO2(NFs) synthesized using the sol-gel route, electrospinning techniques have been used for depositing the layers of (NFs) of diameter ∼245 nm of Sn(NPs)-TiO2(NFs). Sn(NPs)-TiO2(NFs) exhibit an enhanced sensitivity towards UV illumination as compared to only TiO2(NFs) with a large contrast ratio of ∼40.2, responsivity of ∼400 mA/W, detectivity of ∼9.05×1011Jones at −1 V. The proposed photodetector gives a rise time and fall time of ∼0.4 ms and ∼0.3 ms, respectively.

Influence of Laser Energy on the Structural and Optical Properties of Sn Nanoparticles produced with Laser-Induced Plasma

This study aimed to investigate the structure and optical properties of Sn nanostructures. Thin tin (Sn) films were deposited on glass substrates using the pulsed laser deposition method. Nd:YAG laser with fundamental wavelengths of 532 nm and 1064 nm was used to create Sn nanostructures with varying energies of 400 mJ to 700 mJ and the same frequency of 6 Hz. The tin powder was compressed into a disc with a one-centimetre diameter to serve as a sample. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed a crystalline structure with several Sn nanostructures peaks at various energies (400–700 mJ). The results revealed a crystalline size of 65.90 nm and 86.55 nm at 700 mJ, while the size was 40.19 nm and 17.19 at 400 mJ for the given wavelengths (532nm and 1064 nm), respectively. The appearance of Sn nanostructures and the aggregation of, particularly in the form of cauliflower, were revealed in Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images. The results of the dispersive energy X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis showed that various amounts of tin, carbon, and oxygen were present. Additionally, the optical characteristics were investigated of each film using absorbance spectra, which covered a range of wavelengths from 190 to 1100 nm. As the laser power increased, the band gap energy values in the optical properties decreased, falling into the ranges of 3.06 to 1.65 eV and 3.22 to 1.82 eV at 1064nm and 532nm, respectively.

Enhancement of methylene blue catalytic reduction by novel green synthesized metal decorated reduced graphene oxide: Sn@rGO and Ag@rGO

Carbon-based nanocomposites (NCs) attracted much attention in heterogeneous catalysis to remove organic dyes. Herein, a novel low-cost green approach was utilized to design a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) impregnated with Sn or Ag nanoparticles (NPs) using ginger extract as a green reducing agent. The synthesized NCs were characterized utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Raman spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The synthesized NCs were assessed for their catalytic reduction activity towards methylene blue (MB) dye. XRD displayed the characteristic peaks of Sn- and Ag-NPs and the reduction of GO, referring to successful NC formation. FTIR and Raman confirmed the reduction of GO and the incorporation of Sn and Ag-NPs into the GO surfaces. TEM results proved that either Sn- or Ag-NPs was uniformly dispersed on rGO sheets with average sizes of 4.129 and 7.293 nm, respectively. EDX spectra of Sn@rGO- and Ag@rGO-NCs revealed the presence of C, O, Sn, and Ag. TGA confirmed the increased thermal stability of the NCs as compared to GO. Ag@rGO-NC exhibited stronger catalytic MB reduction (97% after 10 min) than Sn@rGO-NC (80% after 20 min). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time Sn@rGO-NC has been designed for MB catalytic reduction, which gives rise to its promising capacity for future catalytic applications.

Electrolyte solvents as architects: How solvents guide the spontaneous formation of 3D porous nanostructures in Alloy- and Conversion-type battery anodes

During battery cycling, fragmented anode materials following alloying, conversion, and conversion-alloying reactions spontaneously form three-dimensional (3D) porous nanostructures, influenced by the electrolyte solvent. While it is known that various solvents can enhance anode energy capacity, rate performance, and cycling stability by promoting this 3D structure, the specific solvent property responsible for this transformation was unclear. Our study investigates the role of 48 commercial solvents in Sn nanoparticle self-assembly, using both experimental and simulation methods. We discovered that solvent electrophilicity is crucial in initiating a solvation layer, guiding the development of the 3D nanostructure. This finding is significant in addressing anode fragmentation issues in alloying, conversion, and conversion-alloying processes. The resulting 3D nanostructures show enhanced mechanical and chemical resilience, offering a cost-effective and robust method to improve battery performance. Our research provides new insights into nanostructured anode design, paving the way for advanced battery technologies and enhancing our understanding of nanostructure formation in batteries.

The role of coalescence and ballistic growth on in-situ electrical conduction of cluster-assembled nanostructured Sn films

The electrical conduction of nanostructured Sn films assembled via Supersonic Cluster Beam Deposition is studied in-situ during film growth. The kinetic energy of Sn nanoparticles, in combination with low melting point of Sn, promotes coalescence phenomena, enabling the investigation of their impact on film morphology and on percolation threshold. A percolation threshold occurring at thicknesses much larger than the dimensions of Sn nanoparticles suggests that coalescence leads to the growth of disconnected, island-like structures. The deposition rate is found to influence coalescence dynamics during the early stages of film growth, allowing for the tuning of film microstructure from a more compact, island-like morphology to a more porous structure. The percolation threshold shifts accordingly from 24 nm to 3 nm film thickness. Upon completion of the percolation phase, film resistivity settles at values 2–3 orders of magnitude larger than that of bulk Sn, attributed to the nanogranular nature of cluster-assembled films. During the “3D conduction” phase, resistivity exhibits an increasing trend with thickness following a power law with an exponent value of 0.76–0.78. This behavior is attributed to the decrease in the density of interconnections between particles in the topmost layer during film growth, consistent with expectations in ballistic growth processes.

Enabling and Boosting Preferential Epitaxial Zinc Growth via Multi‐Interface Regulation for Stable and Dendrite‐Free Zinc Metal Batteries

AbstractThe practical application of aqueous Zn‐metal anodes (AZMAs) is mainly impeded by the short cycling life and unsatisfactory reversibility springing from the notorious Zn dendrite growth and detrimental water‐induced parasitic reactions at anode‐electrolyte interface. To tackle these challenges, a multifunctional interface of Sn‐modified Ti3C2Cl2 MXene (denoted as Sn‐MXene) with high zincophilic and hydrophobic properties is rationally designed via a 1‐step strategy with a novel molten salt etching to achieve dendrite‐free Zn deposition. Experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that the Sn nanoparticles can induce a strongly zincophilic surface with high Zn2+ adsorption, and the Ti3C2Cl2 MXene significantly decreases the surface energy of the Zn (002) plane, guiding the zinc‐preferred orientation along the (002) plane in the electroplating growth process. Moreover, the hydrophobic properties of ‐Cl terminations of the protective interface for the Zn anode can regulate Zn‐ion solvation structure to mitigate H2O‐decomposition‐induced side reactions, and guarantee a steady stream of Zn2+ flux. Encouragingly, benefiting from the Sn‐MXene layer, a side reaction‐free and dendrite‐free Zn anode with an excellent lifespan is achieved, which is further applied as an anode for full battery (Sn‐MXene‐Zn//α‐MnO2) with a long‐term span over 800 cycles under 1 A g–1 with a capacity retention of 96%.

Effect of Sn nanoparticles on the optical properties of PEDOT:PSS thin films

Introduction: In this study, we focus on enhancing the optical properties of PEDOT:PSS thin films by incorporating pure Sn nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using the ultrasonic ablation technique. The objective is to investigate the impact of Sn concentration on the optical characteristics of the films, with a specific emphasis on applications in organic solar cells.Methods: We systematically varied the concentrations of Sn in PEDOT:PSS thin films and characterized their optical properties. The index of refraction (n) and extinction coefficient (k) were precisely determined by analyzing the transmission and reflection spectra of the films. Additionally, Sellmeier’s dispersal model was employed to elucidate the obtained results of n, and dispersive factors were calculated and interpreted.Results: The incorporation of Sn nanoparticles led to improvements in the energy bandgap (Eg) values of PEDOT:PSS films. Notably, as the concentration of Sn increased, the n values decreased, indicating enhanced suitability for organic solar cell applications. The study also unveiled a decrease in the dielectric constant of PEDOT:PSS/Sn films with increasing Sn content, resulting in improved transmittance velocity and enhanced efficacy of microelectronic devices. This, in turn, promotes the development of large-frequency and large-velocity stretchy circuit boards.Discussion: The comprehensive assessment of optical and dielectric parameters, including complex dielectric constant, complex optical conductance, and nonlinear optical constants, provides valuable insights into the potential applications of PEDOT:PSS/Sn films. The larger nonlinear optical constants observed in the present films suggest their suitability for diverse applications such as all-optical switching, limiting, phase modulation, and frequency conversion. Overall, our findings highlight the promising potential of Sn-incorporated PEDOT:PSS thin films in advancing the field of optoelectronics and microelectronics.

Localizing bismuth single atoms around tin nanoparticles for efficient CO2 reduction and fabrication of high-performance sodium-ion batteries

The utilization of Bi/Sn alloy-based materials has garnered significant interest as a promising avenue for the development of sodium-ion batteries and the achievement of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. This is due to their notable attributes of high theoretical specific capacity and low working potential, as well as their abundance and high catalytic activity. Nevertheless, the practical application potential of these alloys is restrained by their inadequate electrical conductivity without incorporating conductive carbon networks to improve the electrical conductivity of the composite material and consequential volumetric fluctuations, which ultimately lead to unsatisfactory cycle life and the depletion of active components. A single-atom Bi-coated Sn nanoparticle was synthesized utilizing metal-organic framework (MOF) compounds as precursors. The resulting composite exhibits the ability to mitigate volume changes that arise during charge and discharge processes, while also enhancing the catalytic activity of the system for CO2 reduction through synergistic effects. Upon pyrolysis of the MOFs at elevated temperatures, a carbon matrix "protective layer" is formed to prevent the loss of active substances under conditions of electrode pulverization. This leads to improved cycle stability and coulomb efficiency of the battery. The ion permeation and gas diffusion are facilitated by the three-dimensional porous structures of composites. The conductive networks further improve the conductivity of materials, prevent the shedding of electrode material from electrodes, and facilitate electron transport. Consequently, the electrode demonstrates exceptional electrochemical performance, as evidenced by a high capacity of 510 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles and a reversible capacity of 497 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles. Furthermore, the composite material demonstrates a notable degree of selectivity towards CO2 reduction, as evidenced by a coulombic efficiency of 95.7% for HCOOH at a potential of −1.1 V but only a coulombic efficiency of 2.3% for H2. Furthermore, the composite material exhibits commendable stability. The findings presented in this study offer valuable technical insights towards the attainment of carbon neutrality and carbon peaking.

Confining micron silicon suboxide (μ-SiOx) into an N-doped carbon matrix modified by Sn nanoparticles as a stabilized anode material for fast charging lithium-ion batteries

Utilizing Sn-modified N-doped carbon networks to encapsulate SiOx to maintain its stability and facilitate lithium-ion and electron migration during charge/discharge.

Selective Electrocatalysis of Nitrous Oxide Reduction Reaction to Nitrogen at Carbon-Supported Pt–Pd–Sn Nanoparticles

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is the third largest greenhouse gas and must be removed using a green method at ambient conditions such as electrocatalysis. Here, we report carbon-supported Pt–Pd–Sn nanoparticles (Pt–Pd–Sn/C)...

Binding SnO2 Nanoparticles with MoS2 Nanosheets Toward Highly Reversible and Cycle‐Stable Lithium/Sodium Storage

SnO2, with its high theoretical capacity, abundant resources, and environmental friendliness, is widely regarded as a potential anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Nevertheless, the coarsening of the Sn nanoparticles impedes the reconversion back to SnO2, resulting in low coulombic efficiency and rapid capacity decay. In this study, we fabricated a heterostructure by combining SnO2 nanoparticles with MoS2 nanosheets via plasma‐assisted milling. The heterostructure consists of in‐situ exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets predominantly in 1 T phase, which tightly encase the SnO2 nanoparticles through strong bonding. This configuration effectively mitigates the volume change and particle aggregation upon cycling. Moreover, the strong affinity of Mo, which is the lithiation product of MoS2, toward Sn plays a pivotal role in inhibiting the coarsening of Sn nanograins, thus enhancing the reversibility of Sn to SnO2 upon cycling. Consequently, the SnO2/MoS2 heterostructure exhibits superb performance as an anode material for LIBs, demonstrating high capacity, rapid rate capability, and extended lifespan. Specifically, discharged/charged at a rate of 0.2 A g−1 for 300 cycles, it achieves a remarkable reversible capacity of 1173.4 mAh g−1. Even cycled at high rates of 1.0 and 5.0 A g−1 for 800 cycles, it still retains high reversible capacities of 1005.3 and 768.8 mAh g−1, respectively. Moreover, the heterostructure exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance in both full LIBs and sodium‐ion batteries.