Sn Nanorods Research Articles

Synthesis of Pd3 Sn and PdCuSn Nanorods with L12 Phase for Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Ethanol Oxidation.

The crystal phase of nanomaterials is one of the key parameters determining their physicochemical properties and performance in various applications. However, it still remains a great challenge to synthesize nanomaterials with different crystal phases while maintaining the same composition, size, and morphology. Here, a facile, one-pot, wet-chemical method is reported to synthesize Pd3 Sn nanorods with comparable size and morphology but different crystal phases, that is, an ordered intermetallic and a disordered alloy with L12 and face-centered cubic (fcc) phases, respectively. The crystal phase of the as-synthesized Pd3 Sn nanorods is easily tuned by altering the types of tin precursors and solvents. Moreover, the approach can also be used to synthesize ternary PdCuSn nanorods with the L12 crystal phase. When used as electrocatalysts, the L12 Pd3 Sn nanorods exhibit superior electrocatalytic performance toward the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) compared to their fcc counterpart. Impressively, compared to the L12 Pd3 Sn nanorods, the ternary L12 PdCuSn nanorods exhibit more enhanced electrocatalytic performance toward the EOR, yielding a high mass current density up to 6.22 A mgPd -1 , which is superior to the commercial Pd/C catalyst and among the best reported Pd-based EOR electrocatalysts.

Electrocatalysts based on low amounts of palladium combined with tin nanoparticles and cerium dioxide nanorods for application as ADEFC anodes

This study demonstrates the structural properties and evaluates the electrocatalytic activity of an ethanol oxidation reaction using ternary materials composed by Pd and Sn nanoparticles combined with CeO2 nanorods (NR) anchored on Vulcan carbon black to be used as an anode in alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells (ADEFCs). The highest open circuit voltage (1010 mV), maximum power (30 mW cm−2) and current densities (113 mA cm−2) were achieved using (Pd1Sn3)10(CeO2 NR)20(Vn)70, while the commercial anode values were 968 mV, 23 mW cm−2 and 123 mA cm−2. Although similar performance for both anodes was observed, the ternary hybrid electrocatalyst contains an 8-fold lower Pd content than the commercial material. This outcome may be justified by the higher defect density presented by the carbon support observed by Raman spectroscopy and the metal oxidation state modifications detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as the electrochemically active surface area presented by the ternary electrocatalyst. The combination of higher vacancies, defects and oxygenated species in the carbon support and the synergistic effect between the oxyphilic Sn and CeO2 NR species and the Pd nanoparticles results in an electrochemical performance that makes these ternary electrocatalysts promising anode materials for ADEFC applications.

Surface oxygen species essential for the catalytic activity of Ce–M–Sn (M = Mn or Fe) in soot oxidation

Herein, transition metal (Mn and Fe)-doped Ce–Sn nanorod catalysts were successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal method.

Buildup of Sn@CNT nanorods by in-situ thermal plasma and the electronic transport behaviors

Monocrystal Sn nanorods encapsulated in the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Sn@CNT NRs), were fabricated by a facile arc-discharge plasma process, using bulk Sn as the raw target and methane as the gaseous carbon source. The typical Sn@CNT NRs are 40–90 nm in diameter and 400–500 nm in length. The CNTs protect the inner Sn nanorods from oxidation. Temperature dependent I–V curve and electronic resistance reveal that the dielectric behavior of Sn@CNT NRs is attributed to the multi-wall CNTs shell and follows Mott-David variable range hopping [lnR(T)∝T−1/4] model above the superconducting critical temperature of 3.69 K, with semiconductor–superconductor transition (SST). Josephson junction of Sn/CNT/Sn layered structure is responsible for the superconducting behavior of Sn@CNT NRs.

Sn-Nanorod-Supported Ag Nanoparticles as Efficient Catalysts for Electroless Deposition of Cu Conductive Tracks

The applications of tin are extremely wide-ranging, in fields as diverse as Li-ion batteries, catalysis, and electronic packaging. It is always significant but still remains a great challenge to develop facile and efficient routes to synthesize Sn nanostructures. Herein, we report a facile chemical method to synthesize a Sn nanorod crystal at room temperature, and Ag ions are subsequently introduced to form the Sn-nanorod-supported Ag nanoparticles hybrid structure (Sn/Ag nanorods). The Sn/Ag nanorods exhibit comparable activity to the commercial Pd black in catalyzing the electroless copper deposition (ECD) reaction that is indispensable to fabricate printed circuit boards (PCBs). Furthermore, a screen printable adhesive is prepared by mixing the as-synthesized Sn/Ag nanorod powders and epoxy resin to fabricate activator patterns on epoxy laminate (EPL) and flexible substrates including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber film. The printed areas are finally metalized...

Fabrication of Sn-core/CNT-shell nanocable anchored interconnected carbon networks as anode material for lithium ion batteries

With the assistance of soluble salt template, we designed and synthesized a Sn-core/CNT-shell nanocable anchored interconnected carbon networks structure via a simple CVD process. The Sn nanorods with a diameter of ∼50 nm are protected by ∼3 nm CNTs. The whole hierarchical structure forms a conductive network, which ensures rapid transportation of electrons. As a result, when utilized as lithium-ion battery anode, the 3DC-Sn@CNT electrode exhibits good cycling stability (700 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1) and rate performance (240 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1).

The formation of α-phase SnS nanostructure from a hybrid, multi-layered S/Sn/S/Sn/S thin films: Phase stability, surface morphology and optical studies

Single phase of SnS thin film was fabricated from S/Sn/S/Sn/S multilayer prepared by using atmospheric pressure and vacuum thermal evaporation methods Glancing angle high vacuum thermal evaporation technique was employed to grow Sn nanorods which facilitated the sulphur diffusion in a faster manner to prepare SnS nanoparticles. The sulphur deposition temperature, sulphur deposition time and tin deposition time were successfully tailored in the synthesis process and stabilized α-phase SnS by probing through confocal micro-Raman spectrometer. X-ray diffraction confirms the formation of SnS crystal structure at sulphur deposition temperature 200°C. The mechanism of formation of highly porous SnS phase with flower like morphology is explained from the morphological analysis of post deposition annealed film. The complete absence of any oxidation state as evident from Raman as well as EDAX analysis confirms that the proposed sulphurization method could be a suitable, simple and cheap technique for the successful sulphurization of metal films. Band gap calculation from Tauc plot showed a direct band gap value of 1.5eV for films with single phase of SnS which can be used as a p-type absorber layer in thin film solar cells. Emission studies showed the energy transitions attributed to band edge transition and due to the presence of intrinsic defects.

Mesoporous High‐Surface‐Area Copper–Tin Mixed‐Oxide Nanorods: Remarkable for Carbon Monoxide Oxidation

AbstractMesoporous, high‐surface‐area Cu–Sn mixed‐oxide nanorods were fabricated for the first time by nanocasting with the use of mesoporous KIT‐6 silica as the hard template. The Cu–Sn nanorods are significantly more active than 1 % Pd/SnO2 for the oxidation of CO and possesses long‐term durability and potent water resistance; they thus have the potential to replace noble metal catalysts for emission‐control processes.

Electrolytic coating of Sn nano-rods on nickel foam support for high performance lithium ion battery anodes

Abstract In this study, Sn was electrodeposited onto the porous nickel foam substrate under pulse electrodeposition conditions. Pulse electrodeposition was carried out at three different peak current densities of 10, 20 and 40 mA/cm 2 for 5 min in a pyrophosphate bath containing 40 g/L SnCl 2 .2H 2 O, 164 g/L K 4 P 2 O 7 and 19 g/L Glycin. Surface morphology of Sn–Ni foam electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to understand the elemental surface composition of composites. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was carried out to investigate the crystal structure of Sn–Ni foam electrode. The electrochemical performances of electrodes were investigated by charge/discharge tests, cyclic voltammetry experiments and the ac impedance technique. The results yielded encouraging discharge capacities since Ni foam behaves as a stress buffering layer as well as an electronic conductivity component.

Size and aspect ratio control of Pd₂Sn nanorods and their water denitration properties.

Monodisperse Pd2Sn nanorods with tuned size and aspect ratio were prepared by co-reduction of metal salts in the presence of trioctylphosphine, amine, and chloride ions. Asymmetric Pd2Sn nanostructures were achieved by the selective desorption of a surfactant mediated by chlorine ions. A preliminary evaluation of the geometry influence on catalytic properties evidenced Pd2Sn nanorods to have improved catalytic performance. In view of these results, Pd2Sn nanorods were also evaluated for water denitration.

The effect of thin film morphology on the electrochemical performance of Cu-Sn anode for lithium rechargeable batteries.

We investigate the anode performance of non ordered and ordered nanostructured Cu-Sn thin films deposited via electron beam deposition technique. The ordered nanostructured Cu-Sn thin film having nano-porosities was fabricated using an oblique (co)deposition technique. Our results showed that the nano structured Cu-Sn thin film containing Cu-Sn nanorods had higher initial anodic capacity (790 mA h g(-)) than that of the non ordered thin film (330 mA h g(-)). But the capacity of the ordered nanostructured Cu-Sn thin film diminished after the first cycle and a steady state capacity value around 300 mA h g(-) is sustainable in following up to 80th cycle, which is attributed to the composition and morphology of the thin film. The presence of copper containing Sn nanorods leading to form nano-porosities as interstitial spaces among them, enhanced lithium ions movement within thin film and increased the thin film tolerance against the stress generated because of the drastic volume change occurred during lithiation-delithiation processes; hence, homogenously distributed porosities increased the cycle life of the thin film.

Photoelectrochemical Properties of α-Fe2O3:Sn/CuFe2O4 Composite Nanorod Arrays as Photoanodes

α-Fe2O3:Sn/CuFe2O4 composite electrodes are prepared to improve the photoelectrochemical properties via a simple solution/heat treatment performed for α-Fe2O3:Sn nanorod electrodes on fluoride tin oxide glass substrates. Based on the characterizations and analysis of X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, it was found that a crystalline CuFe2O4 phase for composite electrodes was formed after treatment. Compared to the bare α-Fe2O3:Sn electrode, significantly enhanced photocurrent density for α-Fe2O3:Sn/CuFe2O4 composite electrodes was also found in the photoelectrochemical measurements because CuFe2O4 has conduction and valence band edges shifted from those of Fe2O3, which allows for the efficient separation of electron-hole pairs at the α-Fe2O3:Sn/CuFe2O4 interface.

Tin-Coated Viral Nanoforests as Sodium-Ion Battery Anodes

Designed as a high-capacity alloy host for Na-ion chemistry, a forest of Sn nanorods with a unique core-shell structure was synthesized on viral scaffolds, which were genetically engineered to ensure a nearly vertical alignment upon self-assembly onto a metal substrate. The interdigital spaces thus formed between individual rods effectively accommodated the volume expansion and contraction of the alloy upon sodiation/desodiation, while additional carbon-coating engineered over these nanorods further suppressed Sn aggregation during extended electrochemical cycling. Due to the unique nanohierarchy of multiple functional layers, the resultant 3D nanoforest of C/Sn/Ni/TMV1cys, binder-free composite electrode already and evenly assembled on a stainless steel current collector, exhibited supreme capacity utilization and cycling stability toward Na-ion storage and release. An initial capacity of 722 mA·h (g Sn)(-1) along with 405 mA·h (g Sn)(-1) retained after 150 deep cycles demonstrates the longest-cycling nano-Sn anode material for Na-ion batteries reported in the literature to date and marks a significant performance improvement for neat Sn material as alloy host for Na-ion chemistry.

Robust and stable intercalated graphene encapsulation of tin nanorods for enhanced cycle and capacity performance for lithium storage

Anode materials (Si, Ge, Sn, etc.) in lithium-ion batteries suffer from a remarkable loss of capacity during the charge–discharge cycle, and various carbon-based additions have been widely added to address this issue. In this work, we report on a simple, one-step approach for an intercalated graphene encapsulation of tin nanorods fabricated via the arc-discharge method. Our method is fast, robust, straight-forward and completely catalyst-free. The result is a Sn@G nanocomposite comprising of a single-crystalline Sn nanorod core tightly bonded to a highly-crystalline graphene shell. The as-synthesized Sn@G exhibits superior cycling and rate performance compared to Sn@C nanocomposite: a reversible specific capacity of 846 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at the current density of 200 mA g−1 and a reversible rate capacity of 488 mA h g−1 at 2 C for Sn@G, in contrast to the 130 mA h g−1 and 48 mA h g−1, respectively for Sn@C. Further, the Sn@G possesses excellent thermal and chemical stabilities against a 950 °C N2 annealing and a 12 h etching in hydrochloric acid, respectively, and has a high mechanical strength as evident by the intercalated core–shell structure maintaining its shape intact in resisting the volume expansion during the 950 °C annealing. These encouraging results indicate that an in situ graphene encapsulated tin rods nanocomposite constitutes a highly feasible candidate for use as an anode material.

Electrorecrystallization of Metal Alloy

This work first reports the behavior of electrorecrystallization of metal alloy, solder in this study. The electrorecrystallization is the recrystallization of metal alloy induced by electrical current stressing without the need of prior treatment. The synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (XRD) in situ analysis shows that the crystal facets of the Pb matrix of 95Pb5Sn solder alloy gradually diminish during electrical current stressing. The XRD analysis incorporating with in situ synchrotron extended X-ray absorption for fine structure (EXAFS) reveals complete dissolution, giving rise to supersaturation, of the Sn-rich secondary phase upon current stressing. The supersaturation behavior was explained through the crystal relaxation of the Pb matrix induced by current stressing. The recrystallization gives rise to Sn nanorod. High resolution TEM analysis of the nanorod reveals the semi-coherent/incoherent interfaces and provides explanation for the formation of the Sn nanorod.

3D tin anodes prepared by electrodeposition on a virus scaffold

A patterned core–shell tin (Sn) nanorod anode is fabricated by pulse electrodeposition of Sn onto a self-assembled Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) structured nickel current collector. Pulse electrodeposition onto the virus assembled 3D electrode surfaces produces homogenous Sn coatings with significant void space to accommodate the large volume change associated with Sn lithiation. The TMV enabled 3D Sn anodes shows high capacity retention of 560 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles with the average capacity fading rate of 0.4% per cycle. The high electronic conductivity of Sn, short diffusion length for Li-ions, and large interface between Sn nano-rods and electrolyte greatly enhance the rate performance of the TMV enabled Sn anodes.

One-pot synthesis of core–shell structured Sn/carbon nanotube by chemical vapor deposition and its Li-storage properties

Abstract

Solvothermal synthesis of carbon-coated tin nanorods for superior reversible lithium ion storage

This paper reports the large-scale synthesis of carbon-coated tin (Sn–C) nanorods through a facile solvothermal carbonization approach by using Sn nanorods as templates and ethanol as a solvent. The as-synthesized Sn–C nanorods have been applied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The Sn–C anode, which exhibits relatively higher initial Coulombic efficiency and lithium storage capacities, is more attractive than the previously reported tin oxide or sulfide anodes. The superior performance of the Sn–C nanorods makes it a promising anode material in high-energy density batteries.

Carbon-coated SnO2nanotubes: template-engaged synthesis and their application in lithium-ion batteries

This paper reports the synthesis of carbon-coated SnO2 (SnO2-C) nanotubes through a simple glucose hydrothermal and subsequent carbonization approach by using Sn nanorods as sacrificial templates. The as-synthesized SnO2-C nanotubes have been applied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, which exhibit improved cyclic performance compared to pure SnO2 nanotubes. The hollow nanostructure, together with the carbon matrix which has good buffering effect and high electronic conductivity, can be responsible for the improved cyclic performance.

Sn-based nanomaterials converted from SnS nanobelts: Facile synthesis, characterizations, optical properties and energy storage performances

Uniform single-crystalline SnS nanobelts have been prepared via a simple wet-chemical route, in which SnCl 2 was used as tin source and Na 2S as sulfur source. Direct conversion of these SnS nanobelts with two pyramidal tips to porous-walled SnO 2 nanocapsules was achieved by oxidizing in atmospheric ambient at 500–700 °C. The formation mechanism of these porous nanocapsules is a combination of non-equilibrium interdiffusion, volume loss, and gas release. With these uniform SnS nanobelts as precursors, carbon-coated metal Sn nanorods (Sn@C core-shell structure) were also synthesized by decomposition of sulfide SnS nanobelts with carbon coatings in N 2 atmosphere. A strong UV emission peak at 365 nm is demonstrated for the SnO 2 porous nanocapsules, which makes these promising materials for applications such as optical sensors. Furthermore, energy storage performances of these Sn-based nanomaterials (porous SnO 2 nanocapsules and Sn@C core-shell nanocomposites) as anodes for Li-ion batteries were investigated in detail.