Sn Oxide Research Articles

Probing the role of surface speciation of tin oxide and tin catalysts on CO2 electroreduction combining in situ Raman spectroscopy and reactivity investigations

Electrochemical CO2 reduction to formate is a promising approach to store renewable electricity and utilize CO2. Tin oxide catalysts are efficient catalysts for this process, while the mechanisms underneath, especially the existence and role of oxidized tin species under CO2 electroreduction conditions remain unclear. In this work, we provide strong evidence on the presence of oxidized tin species on both SnO2 and Sn during CO2 reduction via in situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, while in different nature. Reactivity measurements show similar activity and selectivity to formate production on SnO2 and Sn catalysts. Combined analysis of Raman spectra and reactivity results suggests that Sn(IV) and Sn(II) oxide species are unlikely the catalytic species in CO2 electroreduction to formate.

The Role of SnF2 Additive on Interface Formation in All Lead‐Free FASnI3 Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractTin‐based perovskites are promising alternative absorber materials for lead‐free perovskite solar cells but need strategies to avoid fast tin (Sn) oxidation. Generally, this reaction can be slowed down by the addition of tin fluoride (SnF2) to the perovskite precursor solution, which also improves the perovskite layer morphology. Here, this work analyzes the spatial distribution of the additive within formamidinium tin triiodide (FASnI3) films deposited on top of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole transporting layers. Employing time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and a combination of hard and soft X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, it is found that SnF2 preferably accumulates at the PEDOT:PSS/perovskite interface, accompanied by the formation of an ultrathin SnS interlayer with an effective thickness of ≈1.2 nm.

Synthesis and evaluation of Mn–Sn modified Ru–Ir electrode for electrocatalytic treatment of high chloride acrylonitrile wastewater

ABSTRACT Acrylonitrile wastewater was an organic wastewater with strong toxicity and poor biodegradability. Therefore, electro-catalytic technology became a promising acrylonitrile wastewater treatment technology because of no secondary pollution, wide application range and low water quality requirements. The optimal Mn-Sn modified Ru-Ir electrode material was synthesized by thermal method and applied in electro-catalytic treatment of acrylonitrile wastewater. The electrode materials were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS and electrochemical characterization. SEM, TEM, XRD and XPS indicated that Mn and Sn were capable of incorporating and replacing the part of Ru or Ir and could alter the microstructure of Ru-Ir and the types of Mn and Sn oxides, raising the oxygen evolution potential (OEP) and voltampere charge. When the molar ratio of Mn-Sn was 1:1, OEP, voltampere charge and exchange current density could reach 1.303 V, 1.51 C/cm2 and 6.29×10-4 A/cm2, respectively. The co-doping of Mn-Sn had significant influence on the electrocatalytic performance of Ru-Ir electrode materials. The optimum synthesis conditions of Mn-Sn modified Ru-Ir electrode were as follows: the molar ratio of Mn-Sn was 1:1, calcination time was 4.0 hours, calcination temperature was 450℃, and solvent was water. Under certain conditions, the removal rate of acrylonitrile with Mn-Sn modified Ru-Ir electrode was 100%. Mn-Sn modified Ru-Ir electrode had high oxygen evolution potential and good removal effect of acrylonitrile, which was higher than that of ruthenium iridium electrode and RuO2 electrode.

Electrodeposition of Ni–Sn alloy from ethylene glycol electrolyte. Part 2. Reactions in the bulk electrolyte

ABSTRACT Previously, the authors developed a stable citrate ethylene glycol (EG) electrolyte providing the electrodeposition of Ni–Sn alloy at quite high rate, current efficiency and nickel content in the alloy. In this study a complexation in the solution containing nickel and tin(II) chlorides, and citric acid was studied. IR spectroscopy data have shown the availability of Ni(EG)2Cl2 and Sn(EG)Cl2 complex compounds in the EG solution. At the addition of citric acid complexation of Ni(II) and Sn(II) with dihydrocitrate ions occurs. Binding of Sn(II) ions into complex compounds like Sn(EG)(H2Cit)2 promotes regulation of Ni(II) and Sn(II) reduction rates, and ensures the increased nickel quota in the alloy and the stability of electrolyte against Sn(II) to Sn(IV) oxidation. The rate of coating deposition strongly depends on the electrical conductivity of the EG solution and rises with an increase in the temperature and concentration of metal halide crystalline hydrates.

Biuret Induced Tin-Anchoring and Crystallization-Regulating for Efficient Lead-Free Tin Halide Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes.

Lead-free perovskite emitters, particularly 2D tin (Sn) halide perovskites, have attracted considerable academic attention in recent years. However, the problems of Sn oxidation and rapid crystallization lead to an inferior perovskite morphology with high trap states, thus limiting the luminous efficiency of Sn halide perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs). In this study, the authors establish an approach by introducing an organic additive, 2-imidodicarbonic diamide (biuret), to address the issues of Sn oxidation and fast crystallization. The unique symmetrical carbonyl groups in the biuret robustly interact with the Sn-I framework, providing a strong Sn-anchoring effect. Consequently, it also suppresses the easy oxidation of Sn2+ , regulating the crystallization process simultaneously. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations also confirmed the robust interaction between the biuret and the 2D Sn halide perovskite. Furthermore, the authors demonstrate efficient PeLEDs with saturated red emission at 637nm, a maximum luminance (Lmax ) of 418cd m-2 , a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax ) of 1.37%, and a half-life (T50 ) of 288 s. This work provides insights on the microcosmic chemical interaction between organics and 2D Sn halide perovskites, advancing the development of efficient lead-free PeLEDs.

New Pb-Free Stable Sn–Ge Solid Solution Halide Perovskites Fabricated by Spray Deposition

Considering the toxicity of lead ions, substituting Pb with nontoxic elements in halide perovskites, HaPs, has become one of the most significant challenges associated with these materials. Here, we report on replacing Pb with Sn and Ge, focusing on an all-inorganic HaP, CsSnxGe1–xBr3, and using a multihead spray deposition setup for thin-film formation to overcome the low solubility of the precursors and improve film coverage. We find that, in this way, we can form CsSnxGe1–xBr3 films up to high x values as homogeneous solid solutions; i.e., we obtain a range of compositions with one crystal structure (rather than clusters of two phases). The cubic structure of pure CsSnBr3 is maintained up to 77 atom % Ge, with the lattice spacing decreasing with increasing Ge concentration. The optical band gap is tunable between 1.8 and 2.5 eV, from pure Sn to pure Ge HaP. Most importantly, the perovskite structural stability increases with increasing concentration of Ge, with less oxidation of both Ge and Sn to the +4 state, which can be ascribed to less octahedral tilting and stronger bonding. Electrical and electronic transport measurements show the potential of these materials as Pb-free absorbers for solar cells, particularly, given their band gap range as the top cell of a tandem photovoltaic device.

Corrosion Behavior of an Mg2Sn Alloy.

In the present work, the corrosion behavior of the Mg2Sn alloy (Mg66.7Sn33.3, concentration in at.%) has been studied. The alloy was prepared from high purity Sn and Mg lumps by induction melting in argon. The alloy was composed of intermetallic Mg2Sn with a small amount of Mg2Sn + (Sn) eutectic. The corrosion behavior was studied by hydrogen evolution, immersion, and potentiodynamic experiments. Three aqueous solutions of NaCl (3.5 wt.%), NaOH (0.1 wt.%) and HCl (0.1 wt.%) were chosen as corrosion media. The alloy was found to be cathodic with respect to metallic Mg and anodic with respect to Sn. The corrosion potentials of the Mg2Sn alloy were −1380, −1498 and −1361 mV vs. sat. Ag/AgCl in HCl, NaCl and NaOH solutions, respectively. The highest corrosion rate of the alloy, 92 mmpy, was found in aqueous HCl. The high corrosion rate was accompanied by massive hydrogen evolution on the alloy’s surface. The corrosion rate was found to decrease sharply with increasing pH of the electrolyte. In the NaOH electrolyte, a passivation of the alloy was observed. The corrosion of the alloy involved a simultaneous oxidation of Mg and Sn. The main corrosion products on the alloy surface were MgSn(OH)6 and Mg(OH)2. The corrosion mechanism is discussed and implications for practical applications of the alloy are provided.

Construction of heterojunctions CeO2 interfaced Nb, Sn, Ti, Mo and Zn metal oxide catalysts for photocatalytic oxidation of α-pinene inert C-H

• Heterojunctions CeO 2 -M (M = Zn, Ti, Sn, Mo, Nb) metal oxides catalysts are synthesized by sol–gel method. • CeO 2 -M catalysts show varying photoactivity for oxidation of α-pinene to aroma oxygenates. • CeO 2 -Mo shows the best photocatalytic performance for α-pinene conversion and selectivity to pinene oxide. • The contribution from interfaced redox, oxygen vacancies, and efficient separation of e - /h + are accountable for the enhanced photoactivity of CeO 2 -M catalysts than CeO 2 . • Pinene oxide is obtained with up to 64% selectivity at 66% α-pinene conversion within 5 h of reaction irradiation time. Construction of heterojunctions semiconductors provide an improvement in photo-optics for light absorption, photo carriers generation, and transfer for their efficient utilization in redox reactions. Herein, heterostructured CeO 2 catalysts containing Ti, Mo, Nb, Sn and Zn oxides nanostructures are synthesized and evaluated for their photoactivity in α-pinene selective oxidation using acetonitrile solvent at 25 °C reaction temperature. Both conversion and selectivity are affected by the nature of the hetero-interfaced metal oxide to CeO 2 . CeO 2 -Mo shows the best photocatalytic performance to achieve pinene oxide selectivity of 64% at 66% of pinene conversion after 5 h of light irradiation. The enhanced photoactivity of CeO 2 heterostructured catalysts compared to CeO 2 is ascribed to their red-shift light absorption edges to visible region because of the two metal oxides interactions and structure modifications, which improved the e - /h + charge carrier’s generation and separation for their efficient transfer due to suppressed recombination. Importantly, the combination of redox nature of interfaced CeO 2 heterostructured catalysts and oxygen vacancies shows to be pivotal for the photocatalytic activity enhancement in the selective oxidation of pinene inert C-H bond.

Design of a Metal-Oxide Solid Solution for Sub-ppm H2 Detection.

Hydrogen is largely adopted in industrial processes and is one of the leading options for storing renewable energy. Due to its high explosivity, detection of H2 has become essential for safety in industries, storage, and transportation. This work aims to design a sensing film for high-sensitivity H2 detection. Chemoresistive gas sensors have extensively been studied for H2 monitoring due to their good sensitivity and low cost. However, further research and development are still needed for a reliable H2 detection at sub-ppm concentrations. Metal-oxide solid solutions represent a valuable approach for tuning the sensing properties by modifying their composition, morphology, and structure. The work started from a solid solution of Sn and Ti oxides, which is known to exhibit high sensitivity toward H2. Such a solid solution was empowered by the addition of Nb, which—according to earlier studies on titania films—was expected to inhibit grain growth at high temperatures, to reduce the film resistance and to impact the sensor selectivity and sensitivity. Powders were synthesized through the sol–gel technique by keeping the Sn–Ti ratio constant at the optimal value for H2 detection with different Nb concentrations (1.5–5 atom %). Such solid solutions were thermally treated at 650 and 850 °C. The sensor based on the solid solution calcined at 650 °C and with the lowest content of Nb exhibited an extremely high sensitivity toward H2, paving the way for H2 ppb detection. For comparison, the response to 50 ppm of H2 was increased 6 times vs SnO2 and twice that of (Sn,Ti)xO2.

Investigation of thermal stability, structure, magnetic and dielectric properties of solvothermally synthesised SnFe2O4

SnFe2O4 nanoparticles have found wide applicability in recent times. An investigation of the thermal behaviour is important for its utility in dielectric/energy applications that involves heat treatment. The present work reports the synthesis of SnFe2O4 nanoparticles and the investigation of the thermal stability, magnetic and electrical properties on annealing. SnFe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by the solvothermal method and characterized using Thermogravimetry, X-ray diffractometry, Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry. The spinel structured SnFe2O4 nanoparticles showed superparamagnetic behaviour with MS = 10.5 emu/g and paramagnetic transition at 517°C. On annealing in air between 300°C and 1100°C, the spinel phase was found to be stable until 500°C, but decomposed to tetragonal and hexagonal Fe–Sn oxides beyond 550°C. The resultant oxides were antiferromagnetic or weakly ferromagnetic. Electrical measurements revealed large dielectric constant (∼104) and dielectric loss <9 over a wide frequency range for SnFe2O4 and the decomposed Fe–Sn oxides.

Tin-Based Anode Materials for Stable Sodium Storage: Progress and Perspective.

Because of concerns regarding shortages of lithium resources and the urgent need to develop low-cost and high-efficiency energy-storage systems, research and applications of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have re-emerged in recent years. Herein, recent advances in high-capacity Sn-based anode materials for stable SIBs are highlighted, including tin (Sn) alloys, Sn oxides, Sn sulfides, Sn selenides, Sn phosphides, and their composites. The reaction mechanisms between Sn-based materials and sodium are clarified. Multiphase and multiscale structural optimizations of Sn-based materials to achieve good sodium-storage performance are emphasized. Full-cell designs using Sn-based materials as anodes and further development of Sn-based materials are discussed from a commercialization perspective. Insights into the preparation of future high-performance Sn-based anode materials and the construction of sodium-ion full batteries with a high energy density and long service life are provided.

Impact of alkaline-earth doping on electronic properties of the photovoltaic perovskite CsSnI3: insights from a DFT perspective.

The oxidation of Sn(II) to the more stable Sn(IV) degrades the photovoltaic perovskite material CsSnI3; however, this problem can be counteracted via alkaline-earth (AE) doping. In this work, the electronic properties of CsSn1-xAExI3, with x = 0 and 0.25, and AE = Mg and Ca, were investigated via Density Functional Theory. It is proven that the synthetic reactions of all these perovskites are thermodynamically viable. Besides, a slight strengthening in the metal-halide bonds is found in the Mg-doped perovskite; consequently, it exhibits the greatest bulk modulus. Nevertheless, the opposite occurrs with the Ca-doped perovskite, which has the smallest bulk modulus due to the weakening of its metal-halide bonds. The calculated bandgaps for CsSnI3, Mg-doped and Ca-doped perovskites are 1.11, 1.32 and 1.55 eV, respectively, remaining remarkably close to the best photovoltaic-performing value for single-junction solar cells of 1.34 eV. Nevertheless, an indirect bandgap was predicted under Mg-doping. These results support the possibility of implementing AE-doped perovskites as absorber materials in single-junction solar cells, which can deliver higher output voltages than that using CsSnI3. Finally, it was found that Sr or Ba doping could result in semiconductors with bandgaps close to 2.0 eV.

Determining Structure‐Activity Relationships in Oxide Derived CuSn Catalysts During CO2 Electroreduction Using X‐Ray Spectroscopy

AbstractThe development of earth‐abundant catalysts for selective electrochemical CO2 conversion is a central challenge. CuSn bimetallic catalysts can yield selective CO2 reduction toward either CO or formate. This study presents oxide‐derived CuSn catalysts tunable for either product and seeks to understand the synergetic effects between Cu and Sn causing these selectivity trends. The materials undergo significant transformations under CO2 reduction conditions, and their dynamic bulk and surface structures are revealed by correlating observations from multiple methods—X‐ray absorption spectroscopy for in situ study, and quasi in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy for surface sensitivity. For both types of catalysts, Cu transforms to metallic Cu0 under reaction conditions. However, the Sn speciation and content differ significantly between the catalyst types: the CO‐selective catalysts exhibit a surface Sn content of 13 at. % predominantly present as oxidized Sn, while the formate‐selective catalysts display an Sn content of ≈70 at. % consisting of both metallic Sn0 and Sn oxide species. Density functional theory simulations suggest that Snδ+ sites weaken CO adsorption, thereby enhancing CO selectivity, while Sn0 sites hinder H adsorption and promote formate production. This study reveals the complex dependence of catalyst structure, composition, and speciation with electrochemical bias in bimetallic Cu catalysts.

Ultrasound assisted reductive degradation of toxic textile dye effluents using Sn nanoparticles

In this paper, we report the structural, chemical, and reductive degradation properties of Sn nanoparticles for degradation of Ramazol brilliant blue (RBB) dye effluents. The ultrasound assisted degradation is achieved without use of any harsh reducing agent in dark ambience. Sn nanoparticles with size ∼15 nm were synthesized by chemical reduction method using NaBH4 (0.6 M) as reducing agent. The synthesized particles had tetragonal structure with orientation along (200), (101), (220), (211), (301), (112), (400), and (321) planes and do not have any additional impurity phases as determined using energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction technique and transmission electron microscopy. XPS analysis confirmed that majority of synthesized particles were in Sn2+ state with spin–orbit splitting at 8.3 eV with corresponding binding energy peaks at 485.8 eV (3d5/2) and 494.1 eV (3d3/2). A few particles were in Sn4+ state with spin orbit splitting at 8.5 eV and binding energy peaks at 487.1 eV (3d5/2) and 495.6 eV (3d3/2). The ultrasound assisted dye degradation efficiency of Sn nanoparticles reaches 85% within the initial 10 min of the water treatment process. The fast dye reduction is attributed to the rapid sono-chemical production of hydroxyl radicals and fast interaction between surface electrons of Sn and dye molecules. The Sn2+ ions lose two electrons during the reaction and switch to Sn4+ state leading to generation of hydroxyl radicals which is responsible for the decomposition of the dye molecules. The ultrasound assisted method follows the second order pseudo kinetics and degrades RBB dyes with an efficiency of 99% while the mechanical stirring method which obeys the first-order pseudo kinetics degrades the dye with an efficiency of 90%. The appropriate rate constant was 0.1414 min−1 for ultrasound assisted method and 0.0512 min−1 for mechanical stirring method. One of the advantages of the present technique is that it does not require any additional reducing agent to stimulate the reaction. The degradation efficiency (∼99%) is the highest for dye solution with neutral pH. The Sn nanoparticles were stable for four cycles and subsequently the efficiency reduces to 71% due to oxidation of the Sn nanoparticles. The XRD pattern of Sn particles after 4 cycles had peaks corresponding to (101), (211), and (112) planes of SnO2 and XPS spectrum show enhanced peaks for Sn4+ for recycled samples indicates the possibility of oxidation of Sn when repeated over 4th cycle.

Investigation of Sn-containing precursors for in-plane GeSn nanowire growth

The formation of Sn catalyst nanoparticles (NPs) for the growth of GeSn nanowires (NWs) requires the identification of suitable Sn-containing precursors. In this work, various Sn-containing precursors such as Sn, SnO2 and indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films as well as SnO2 nanoparticles have been investigated. Sn and SnO2 thin films did not produce NWs. This reveals that the catalyst density, as well as their wetting on the amorphous layer, play vital roles on the growth of GeSn NWs. Conversely, Ge nanocrystals (NCs) were successfully grown from ITO thin films deposited on c-Si substrates. A good crystallinity was obtained when there is no interfacial SiOx layer on the crystalline Si substrate. Finally, using SnO2 NPs allowed us to grow GeSn NWs. Their morphology is strongly impacted by the annealing environment: hydrogen atmosphere with different pressures or hydrogen plasma, the later providing the best results. The nanostructure and composition of GeSn NWs were investigated in detail. These results could pave the way to grow in-plane Ge nanostructures within several types of Sn-containing materials.

Electrodeposition of Ni–Sn alloy from ethylene glycol electrolyte. Part 1. Cathodic reactions

ABSTRACT A new ethylene glycol electrolyte for nickel-tin coatings electrodeposition based on Ni(II) and Sn(II) chlorides and citric acid has been developed. It ensures the formation of coatings with high (about 40 wt%) nickel content, which include Ni3Sn2 and Ni3Sn4 phases. The electrolyte is stable during operation and storage, and provides growth of coatings at a rate of 9–18 μm h–1 and current efficiency of 89–94%. Citric acid stabilises the electrolyte by inhibiting the oxidation of Sn(II) during storage; in addition, it increases current efficiency, slowing down the reduction of hydrogen. According to voltammetry data the joint reduction of Sn(II) and Ni(II) from citrate-glycol electrolyte occurs with the effect of depolarisation due to the formation of intermetallics.

Lead-lean and MA-free perovskite solar cells with an efficiency over 20%

<h2>Summary</h2> Tin-lead perovskite solar cells (Sn-Pb PSCs) with low band gap (1.2–1.4 eV) are expected to achieve the maximum-power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single-junction devices given by the Shockley-Queisser limit. However, over 40 mol % Pb²⁺ is necessary to suppress the oxidation of Sn²⁺, which causes serious p-type self-doping. Here, we propose a new galvanic displacement reaction (GDR) method, through using lead powder as lead source and reductant simultaneously to resolve the above-mentioned issue. Lead powder could fully reduce Sn⁴⁺, but not Sn²⁺, in precursor, meanwhile suppressing the formation of iodide in film. Finally, Sn-Pb PSCs with low lead content and highest efficiency for MA-free-based devices (PCE: 18.34% for 8.5 mol % Pb²⁺, 20.01% for 18.7 mol % Pb²⁺) were realized. The unencapsulated devices retained unchanged or 81% of the original efficiency after storing for 2,352 h or tracking at maximum-power point (MPP) for 700 h in N₂ atmosphere (O₂ ≤ 50 ppm).

Influence of the oxidation state of Sn in the precursor and selenization temperature on Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 thin film solar cells

Kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) is emerging as one of the most promising materials owing to its low-cost, non-toxicity, similar electronic properties with Cu2(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS). However, the current highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) for CZTSSe device is far below the CIGS because of the high open-circuit voltage (Voc) deficit and low fill factor (FF). Here, we fabricated CZTSSe thin film from 2-methoxyethanol solutions and investigated the effects of different Sn (Sn2+ vs Sn4+) oxidation states of precursor solution and selenization temperature on the crystal quality of the CZTSSe thin film and device performances. By characterizations and analyses, we found that incomplete redox reaction caused by the off-stoichiometric component in Sn2+ precursor solution led to the formation of detrimental secondary phases such as SnSe, Cu2Se, and SnSe2 in the CZTSSe thin film. The existence of volatile SnSe could cause the formation of voids and thus affected the FF and Voc. The reaction from Sn4+ precursor solution to absorber material avoided the formation of SnSe. Ultimately, the Sn4+ thin film showed better features in terms of improving crystal quality and reducing Voc deficit that limited the efficiency of kesterite CZTSSe thin film solar cells. Besides, we demonstrated that an appropriate selenization temperature could further reduce the number of secondary phases and improve the surface morphology and crystallinity of the CZTSSe thin film. As a result, we obtained CZTSSe thin film solar cells with 8.27% PCE from the Sn4+ precursor solution under the selenization temperature of 580 °C.

Ethanol Oxidation at Pt Nanoparticles Supported on Titanium Modified by Thermal Decomposition of Tin and Ruthenium Acetylacetonate Complexes

Sn and Ru oxides prepared by thermal decomposition of metal acetylacetonate (acac) complexes on Ti have a substantial support effect on platinum catalyzed oxidation of ethanol. Sn and Ru oxides and mixed Sn–Ru oxides (Ru-doped SnO2) deposited onto Ti foils were drop coated with preformed Pt nanoparticles. Cyclic voltammetry in H2SO4(aq) showed a strong synergistic effect between Ru and Sn oxide for ethanol oxidation, with a 2:1 ratio of Ru(acac)3 to Sn(acac)2 in the oxide precursor solution producing the most active catalyst. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed a significant transfer of electron density from the Ru-doped SnO2 to the Pt nanoparticles (electronic/ligand effect), and increased Pt oxide formation. Both of these effects can promote the oxidation of adsorbed CO, while the electronic effect also influences the adsorption strength of ethanol. The variation of the balance of these effects with the level of Ru doping is a plausible explanation for the dependence the ethanol oxidation activity on the composition of the oxide layer.

Elucidating the underlying surface chemistry of Sn/Al2O3 catalysts during the propane dehydrogenation in the presence of H2S co-feed

Incipient wetness impregnation was used to deposit dispersed tin (Sn) atoms on γ-Al2O3. The morphology and structure of the catalysts were characterized using Raman, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and low energy ion scattering (LEIS) combined with N2-physisorption and in situ infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRIFTS) using NH3 and CO2 as probe molecules, H2- temperature-programmed reduction (H­2-TPR), and steady-state reaction kinetics measurements. The effects of H2S on the surface chemical composition and structure of the resulting catalysts were systematically studied. The results showed isolated and well-dispersed Sn oxide sites of the deposited catalyst with nanoparticles observed only at relatively high coverages of 10% Sn at a coverage ranging from 0.48 to 2.8 Sn atoms nm−2. DRIFT spectroscopy evidenced a decrease in the number of Lewis acid sites on H2S treated Sn/Al2O3 suggesting surface tin species re-dispersing and blocking the active sites of γ-Al2O3. Overall, the surface analysis results presented here suggest that the active catalytic sites in the presence of H2S involve Al2O3 rather than bulk sulfide and Sn atoms dispersed over alumina towards propane dehydrogenation.