Sn Zn Research Articles

Triphasic heterostructured Zn–Sn–S hollow nanoboxes encapsulated by N, S-codoped carbon as anodes for high-performance sodium-ion batteries

Metal sulfides have been expected huge practical potential for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), which are mainly owing to their admirable merits of natural abundance, low price, and high theoretical capacity. However, the inferior electrical conductivity and enormous volume variation originating from sodiation/desodiaziton reactions usually result in unsatisfied rate and cycling properties. In this work, a coprecipitation with a following sulfurization method has been rationally designed to prepare the triphasic heterostructured hollow Zn–Sn–S nanoboxes encapsulated by N, S-codoped carbon (ZSS@NCS) as anodes for SIBs. The coexistence of triphasic ZSS heterostructures that consist of ZnS, SnS2, and Sn2S3 effectively facilitates the fast Na + diffusion. The N, S-codoped carbon (NSC) derived from the polydopamine is coated outside of the ZSS heterostructures, which provides infinite affinity between ZSS and NSC that efficiently accelerates the electron transport and maintains the structural stability via the confinement effect. The synergistic effects of the heterostructured ZSS and NSC endow the ZSS@NSC anode with favorable sodium storage properties including decent discharge capacity (683.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), satisfying rate (232.6 mAh g−1 at 10.0 A g−1) and cycling properties (402.2 mAh g−1 over 150 cycles).

Interfacial structure and properties of anodized 6061 Al alloy joints by ultrasonic-assisted hot dipping and soldering using a Sn–9Zn–2Al filler metal

Al alloy joints soldered with Sn-based filler metal are susceptible to corrosion and early failure when exposed to moisture, resulting in severe accidents and substantial economic losses. This study proposes a method to prevent galvanic corrosion by separating Al alloys and Sn-based filler metals with an insulating barrier layer of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) composed of Al2O3. The successful joining of anodized aluminum alloy (AAA) with Sn–9Zn–2Al was achieved through ultrasonic-assisted hot dipping and soldering in air at 240 °C. Microstructural examination revealed strong bonding between the solder alloy and AAO, with the solder infiltrating the AAO nanotubes and a transition layer consisting of two sublayers at the interface: amorphous ZnO mixed with nanocrystals (ZnO and Al2O3) and amorphous Al2O3. The shear strength of the joints ranged from 31.8 to 32.8 MPa when subjected to ultrasonic hot dipping for 0.5–2.0 s, with no significant difference observed. Fracture initiation and propagation occur within the transition layer at the interface. The shear strength of joints subjected to dipping for more than 3.0 s decreased slightly to 27.9 MPa due to localized peeling off of AAO from the Al substrate. The formation of the interface involves the segregation of Al and Zn on the liquid filler metal surface, driven by differences in atomic activity. Due to the jet force from cavitation, an Al-rich liquid infiltrates the nanotube, resulting in the formation of Zn–O at the interface and Al–O both at the interface and within the nanotube. Throughout this process, the wetting model shifts from a Cassie state to a near-Wenzel state. Immersion tests of two types of joints, Al/SnZnAl/Al and AAA/SnZnAl/AAA, confirmed that galvanic corrosion of Sn/Al was completely inhibited by the latter. Consequently, AAA joints demonstrate excellent corrosion resistance, validating this approach as a promising solution to the Al/Sn galvanic corrosion issue.

Effect of combined addition of Zr and Mg on the microstructure and properties of a Cu–Cr–Sn–Zn alloy for etching lead frame

The effects on microstructure and properties of Cu–Cr–Sn–Zn with combined addition of Zr and Mg elements and their evolutions in the process of solid solution and thermomechanical treatment for etching high pin lead frames were studied. The microstructure was analyzed by OM, SEM, TEM, and EBSD. The results show that Cu–Cr–Sn–Zn and Cu–Cr–Sn–Zn–Zr–Mg alloys have the best performance after primary aging at 440 °C for 4 h and secondary aging at 400 °C for 4 h. The hardness and conductivity of the two alloys are 154 HV&78.3%IACS and 171 HV&77.8%IACS, respectively. Cu–Cr–Sn–Zn–Zr–Mg alloy final products shown better comprehensive performance, with conductivity, tensile strength, and hardness of 81.4%IACS, 580 MPa, and 175 HV respectively. The addition of Zr and Mg elements slows down the precipitation process of Cu–Cr–Sn–Zn alloy, refines the Cr phases, and inhibits the coarsening of Cr phases. Nano Cr clusters and coherent fcc Cr phases were observed during the aging process at 440 °C for 4 h and 400 °C for 4 h, which is difficult to observe in Cu–Cr–Sn–Zn alloy due to the precipitation and coarsening of Cr phases in a rapidly way. The surface roughness of Cu–Cr–Sn–Zn–Zr–Mg alloy without coarsened Cr phases is lower with Sa = 0.2681 μm.

“Green” Aqueous Synthesis, Structural, and Optical Properties of Quaternary Cu2ZnSnS4 and Cu2NiSnS4 Nanocrystals

Element substitution in Cu2ZnSnS4‐like chalcogenides offers the potential to create alternative low‐cost photovoltaic and thermoelectric materials with tunable properties. In this work, the “green” synthesis of colloidal cation‐substituted Cu–Ni–Sn–S nanocrystals (CNTS NCs) in aqueous solutions using thioglycolic acid as a stabilizer is reported for the first time. The structural and optical properties of CNTS NCs are studied in colloidal solutions and thin films, and are compared with those of Cu–Zn–Sn–S (CZTS) NCs obtained under similar conditions. The NC sizes of both compounds are estimated to be in the range of 1.5–2.5 nm. Both NCs exhibit strongly non‐stoichiometric composition and a structure corresponding to cationically disordered kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4, which are common features of such quaternary metal‐based chalcogenides. The phonon Raman spectra of CNTS and CZTS NCs exhibit very similar lineshapes, but the CNTS phonon band has a larger width and lower frequency, presumably due to stronger cation disorder. The absorption of both types of NCs extends continuously through the visible range with an estimated bandgap of ≈2.2 eV and sub‐bandgap absorption due to an Urbach tail. The absorption coefficient of CNTS is determined to be α > 102 cm−1 at 700 nm and α > 104 cm−1 at 400 nm.

Effects of soldering temperature and preheating temperature on the properties of Sn–Zn solder alloys using wave soldering

Purpose This study aims to address the problem of low-temperature wave soldering in industry production with Sn-9Zn-2.5 Bi-1.5In alloys and develop qualified process parameters. Sn–Zn eutectic alloys are lead-free solders applied in consumer electronics due to their low melting point, high strength, and low cost. In the electronic assembly industry, Sn–Zn eutectic alloys have great potential for use. Design/methodology/approach This paper explored developing and implementing process parameters for low-temperature wave soldering of Sn–Zn alloys (SN-9ZN-2.5BI-1.5 In). A two-factor, three-level design of the experiments experiment was designed to simulate various conditions parameters encountered in Sn–Zn soldering, developed the nitrogen protection device of waving soldering and proposed the optimal process parameters to realize mass production of low-temperature wave soldering on Sn–Zn alloys. Findings The Sn-9Zn-2.5 Bi-1.5In alloy can overcome the Zn oxidation problem, achieve low-temperature wave soldering and meet IPC standards, but requires the development of nitrogen protection devices and the optimization of a series of process parameters. The design experiment reveals that preheating temperature, soldering temperature and flux affect failure phenomena. Finally, combined with the process test results, an effective method to support mass production. Research limitations/implications In term of overcome Zn’s oxidation characteristics, anti-oxidation wave welding device needs to be studied. Various process parameters need to be developed to achieve a welding process with lower temperature than that of lead solder(Sn–Pb) and lead-free SAC(Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu). The process window of Sn–Zn series alloy (Sn-9Zn-2.5 Bi-1.5In alloy) is narrow. A more stringent quality control chart is required to make mass production. Practical implications In this research, the soldering temperature of Sn-9Zn-2.5 Bi-1.5In is 5 °C and 25 °C lower than Sn–Pb and Sn-0.3Ag-0.7Cu(SAC0307). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work was the first time to apply Sn–Zn solder alloy under actual production conditions on wave soldering, which was of great significance for the study of wave soldering of the same kind of solder alloy. Social implications Low-temperature wave soldering can supported green manufacturing widely, offering a new path to achieve carbon emissions for many factories and also combat to international climate change. Originality/value There are many research papers on Sn–Zn alloys, but methods of achieving low-temperature wave soldering to meet IPC standards are infrequent. Especially the process control method that can be mass-produced is more challenging. In addition, the metal storage is very high and the cost is relatively low, which is of great help to provide enterprise competitiveness and can also support the development of green manufacturing, which has a good role in promoting the broader development of the Sn–Zn series.

Electrochemical and Cycle Analysis of Water-in-Salt K-Acetate Electrolyte Zn-Ion Batteries Under Commercially-Relevant Conditions

Water-in-salt electrolyte (WiSE) promises high-voltage battery technology with low fire risk. Here we assess potassium acetate (KAc) WiSE for Zn ion batteries under commercially relevant conditions. Rotating disc electrode analysis of WiSE degradation and Zn plating/deplating suggest a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer dominates. Butler-Volmer kinetics and Koutecky-Levich mass-transfer are of secondary importance. Measurements of chemical potential reveal that bulk solvation of H2O (in KAc WiSE or lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) WiSE) is an insignificant process compared to SEI blocking. Zinc cycling in KAc WiSE with practical rates (∼0.3 to 8.0 mA cm−2) and areal capacities (>20 mAh cm−2) shows dendrites are less prominent than in KOH, but the SEI layer suppresses the electrochemical reaction too much for commercial feasibility. Dilution or convection of the WiSE alleviates the SEI blocking effects. Cu substrate shows good Zn adhesion, but Ti, Sn, and Ni show poor adhesion. Cathodes made with Chevrel (Mo6S8) reversibly intercalate Zn2+ to form a novel battery technology when paired with Zn foil, but yield <1.0 V cell voltage. Cathodes made with zinc-containing Prussian blue analogues (ZnHCF or ZnMnHCF) yield a voltage near 2.0 V but don't cycle in the present KAc WiSE formulation. Future research directions for KAc WiSE are proposed, focussing on SEI dynamics and Prussian blue compatibility.

Comprehensive investigation of oxidation behavior on ternary In–Zn–Sn lead-free solder electronic materials

Comprehensive investigation of oxidation behavior on ternary In–Zn–Sn lead-free solder electronic materials

In situ U–Pb dating of garnet, vesuvianite, and scheelite from the Nanyangtian tungsten deposit reveals an Early Cretaceous W mineralization event in Southeast Yunnan, China

The Nanyangtian W deposit, located in the Laojunshan district, is the largest W deposit in southeastern Yunnan, China. However, before that, the mineralization age of this deposit is still controversial, since the absence of suitable dating minerals and methods. In this study, garnet and vesuvianite, the typical skarn minerals, and scheelite, the dominant ore mineral at Nanyangtian, were selected for LA–ICP–MS U–Pb dating to directly constrain the ages of skarn and W mineralization. As a result, two layered garnet samples together yield a Tera–Wasserburg lower intercept age of 203.2 ± 8.7 Ma, whereas two vein-type vesuvianite samples yield ages of 144.4 ± 3.7 Ma and 145.9 ± 3.1 Ma, identical within error to the ages of 141.5 ± 7.2–145.5 ± 2.9 Ma obtained from micro-disseminated and veinlet-like scheelite. The above dating results and the geological observations that ore-barren layered garnet cut by later quartz–scheelite–(garnet)–(vesuvianite) hydrothermal veins suggest two stages of skarnization in the Nanyangtian deposit (ca. 203 Ma and ca. 141–146 Ma, respectively), whereas the W mineralization occurred during ca. 141–146 Ma. It is inferred that the age of ∼203 Ma is related to Indosinian regional metamorphism and associated migmatization-hydrothermal activity. Nevertheless, the ages of 141–146 Ma, obviously older than those of the adjacent Laojunshan granitic pluton (∼83–97 Ma) and its associated Dulong Sn–Zn polymetallic deposit (∼82–96 Ma), are possibly attributable to another unrevealed magmatic-hydrothermal system at depth, as a result of Paleo-Pacific subduction during the Early Cretaceous period. A two-period superimposed mineralization model is thus proposed at Nanyangtian. Based on all reported age data, four major magmatic-metallogenic episodes ranging from ca. 445–410 Ma, 215–203 Ma, 152–140 Ma to 100–75 Ma have been determined in the Laojunshan district.

Sn Nanoclusters Confined in COP‐Derived Carbon for Catalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction

AbstractThe development of catalysts composed of single atoms is crucial for enhancing the performance of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, the unsatisfactory intrinsic activity of these catalysts still poses a major challenge, limiting their overall effectiveness. One approach to addressing this challenge is the introduction of metal clusters, which can form a synergistic effect with the single atoms, ultimately improving their performance. In this study, core‐shell structured carbon polymer is constructed with Zn atoms and Sn nanoclusters by directly subjecting pyrolysis of the covalent organic polymer (COP) and metal organic framework (MOF) (COP@MOF). The thin COP shell serves a dual purpose: it prevents the collapse and aggregation of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) and promotes the formation of mesopores, facilitating mass transport and enhancing the graphitization degree to improve conductivity. The resulting Sn‐COP@MOF800 exhibits promising catalytic performance in the ORR, demonstrating a half‐wave potential of 0.81 V and current density of 5.56 mA cm−2 in 0.1 m KOH, which is comparable to that of Pt/C. This study provides new ideas for exploring the application of metal single atoms and metal nanoclusters in ORR catalysis through synergistic effects.

Microstructure, hardness, electrical, and thermal conductivity of SZCN solder reinforced with TiO2 and ZrO2 nanoparticles fabricated by powder metallurgy method

The microstructure and characterization of Sn–Zn–Cu–Ni (SZCN) solder alloy reinforced with TiO2 and ZrO2 nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by powder metallurgy were investigated. Sn, Zn, Cu and Ni metallic powders were mixed mechanical by 10:1 ball to powder ratio with 300 rpm speed for 2 h. Then 0.5 wt% from nano ZrO2 or TiO2 was mixed by the same parameters with the mixed metal powder. The morphologies and microstructures development during the fabrication process was investigated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), optical microscope (OM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). The results reveal an improved distribution of TiO2 or ZrO2 NPs in the SZCN matrix solder, which resulted in an improvement in its density. The analyses of microstructural demonstrated that the addition of TiO2 or ZrO2 NPs to SZCN solder results in the grain refinement of the β-Sn phase, besides the formation of Ni3Sn IMC with small size and uniform distribution. The microhardness was enhanced as a result of the addition of TiO2 or ZrO2 NPs. The experimental results showed that the SZCN-ZrO2 composite solder had the greatest hardness and stress exponent values due to its effectiveness in suppressing the growth of β-Sn grains and the pile-up of dislocations. Both the electrical and thermal conductivities were improved by incorporating TiO2 NPs compared to other solders.

Effect of surface treated amorphous Si–Zn–Sn–O on the electrical properties of thin film transistors by Ar plasma treatment

Effect of surface treated amorphous Si–Zn–Sn–O on the electrical properties of thin film transistors by Ar plasma treatment

Cadmium isotope fractionation in a S-type granite related large magmatic–hydrothermal system

Granite-associated deposits are one of the important ore types in the Earth’s crust and can dominantly be subdivided into S-, I- and A-type granite-related deposits with different mineralization elements and isotopic signatures (e.g., sulphur and boron). The object of this study is to investigate whether Cd isotopic difference exists between I- and S-type granite-related deposits, and to provide new insights on geochemical behavior of Cd in such systems that have not been well constrained. The Dulong deposit in southwest China is a world-class skarn-type polymetallic Zn–Sn–In deposit that is thought to be genetically related to the emplacement of the highly fractionated S-type Laojunshan granite. The extremely negative δ114/110Cd values of sulfides (−0.82 ‰ to −0.42 ‰) within the Dulong deposit are all lower than those of sulfides from other Zn–Pb ore deposits globally. In comparison, representative sphalerites from I-type granite-related deposits yield heavier Cd isotopic compositions relative to the samples from the Dulong deposit. The Laojunshan granite samples are enriched in light Cd isotopes and have δ114/110Cd values that range from −0.73 ‰ to −0.40 ‰, overlapping with the δ114/110Cd values of sphalerite within the Dulong deposit and suggesting that the Cd in the deposit was derived from the Laojunshan granite. Similarly, I-type granite-related deposits elsewhere have Cd isotopic compositions that are similar to mafic–intermediate igneous rocks, suggesting little or no Cd isotopic fractionation took place during the magmatic–hydrothermal processes that formed these deposits. These results suggest that geochemical signatures of metal sources are the most likely control on Zn/Cd ratios and δ114/110Cd values of sulfides in these deposits, with different mineral deposit types having different Zn/Cd ratios and δ114/110Cd values. In summary, Cd isotopes provide a potentially effective tool for discriminating between different types of hydrothermal system and may also be useful in the investigation of granite petrogenesis.

Excellent strength-ductility synergy properties of Mg–Sn–Zn–Zr alloy mediated by a novel differential thermal ECAP (DT-ECAP)

The application of structural magnesium (Mg) alloys in engineering industry is usually impeded by the challenge of strength-ductility synergy. In this study, a considerable ductility (elongation, ∼27–33 %) and high ultimate tensile strength (UTS, ∼340–370 MPa) Mg–Sn–Zn–Zr alloy was developed by a combination of aging, extrusion and novel differential thermal equal-channel angular pressing (DT-ECAP) process. Both dislocation slip and (double) cross-slip are primary deformation mechanisms of the alloy. Furthermore, jogs or kinks induced by the interaction between high density of dislocations were also observed in the alloy before and after tensile test, indicating good deformability. More importantly, based on the two-beam bright-filed TEM under three g conditions, multiple slip systems containing pyramidal <c + a>, prismatic and basal <a> dislocations were activated to accommodate both c-axis and a-axis strains of the alloy, leading to superior work-hardening effect and thus superb ductility. On the other hand, the DT-ECAP process was in favor of grain refinement and ultrafine second phases with ∼54–63 nm. Therefore, the principal strengthening mechanisms of the DT-ECAPed alloys were grain boundary strengthening, precipitation strengthening and dislocation strengthening. The contributions of the three strengthening mechanisms to TYSs of second pass (2P) and forth pass (4P) alloys are ∼77 MPa and ∼66 MPa, ∼30 MPa and ∼27 MPa, ∼34 MPa and ∼27 MPa, respectively. The current work develops a novel DT-ECAP process for preparing a new Mg–Sn–Zn–Zr alloy with strength-ductility synergy and provides a strategy to break the strength-ductility tradeoff dilemma of rare-earth-free Mg alloy.

Exploring mechanism of suppressing void formation at Interface of Sn–9Zn and Cu

Exploring mechanism of suppressing void formation at Interface of Sn–9Zn and Cu

Effects of aging time and temperature on shear properties of Sn–Zn and Sn–Ag–Cu solder joints

Effects of aging time and temperature on shear properties of Sn–Zn and Sn–Ag–Cu solder joints

Thermodynamic activity in Zn–Cu–Sn–In liquid solder alloys: a comprehensive analysis using the molecular interaction volume model

The molecular interaction volume model (MIVM) was employed to estimate the activity of each component in Zinc–Copper–Tin–Indium (Zn–Cu–Sn–In) quaternary liquid alloys at 1023 K, keeping indium content constant, i.e. xIn = 0.1, and varying molar ratios of Cu and Sn (xCu/xSn). Furthermore, the model has been used to determine the activity of each component of all sub-binary systems, namely Cu–Zn at 1200 K, Sn–Zn at 750 K, In–Zn at 700 K, Cu–Sn at 1400 K, Cu–In at 1073 K, In–Sn at 700 K, and Zn–Cu–In liquid ternary alloys at 1023 K for three molar ratios of Cu and In, i.e. xCu/xIn = 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1. We found that the activity deviations of Zn from Raoult’s law transform from positive to negative as the xCu/xIn ratio changes from 1:2 to 2:1. The estimated values were analyzed with the correspondent experimental results in the case of ternary and all the binary liquid alloys. There is a notable agreement observed between theoretical forecasts and practical findings in both binary and ternary systems. This work provides a thorough thermodynamic study of the Zn, Cu, Sn, and In quaternary systems.

Work function effect of metal electrodes on the performance of amorphous Si–Zn–Sn–O thin-film transistors investigated by transmission line method

Work function effect of metal electrodes on the performance of amorphous Si–Zn–Sn–O thin-film transistors investigated by transmission line method

Comparing the influence of cation order and composition in simulated Zn(Sn, Ge)N2 on structure, elastic moduli, and polarization for solid state lighting

Alloying and site ordering play complementary roles in dictating a material’s properties. However, deconvolving the impacts of these separate phenomena can be challenging. In this work, we simulate structures of Zn(Sn,Ge)N2 with varied Sn content and site ordering to determine the impacts of order and composition on structural and electronic properties. We assess the formation enthalpy, lattice parameters, elastic constants, spontaneous polarization, and piezoelectric coefficients. In mostly disordered structures (order parameters ranging from 0.2 to 0.4), the formation enthalpy exhibits local extrema as a function of the order parameter, deviating from the more linear trends seen in both fully disordered and fully ordered systems. This anomalous deviation from the otherwise linear trend in formation enthalpy with order manifests in each of the other properties calculated. This range of order parameters of interest may be caused by a transition in the ordering of the quaternary material similar to phase changes seen in ternary compounds but stretched over a region inclduing 20% of the order parameter range. Most parameters calculated are more sensitive to order than to composition in the limited composition range tested; however, the lattice parameter c, piezoelectric coefficient e33, and elastic moduli C12, C13, and C23 are more sensitive to composition. Of the properties compared, the piezoelectric coefficients are influenced most significantly by changes in both the composition and order parameter. Lattice parameters undergo the smallest changes with order and composition, but these small differences appear to impart large trends in the other properties. Better understanding the effects of disorder and group IV alloying in Zn(Sn,Ge)N2 allows for more accurate modeling of characteristics of this material system for solid state lighting and other applications.

Investigation of structural, temperature and frequency dependent dielectric behavior of Zn2SnO4@amorphous SiO2 core shell nanocomposites

Herein, the detailed investigation of frequency and temperature dependent dielectric behavior of Zn2SnO4@SiO2 core shell nanocomposites (CSNs) is reported. Powder XRD analysis and FTIR spectral analysis were employed to comprehend the structure. The chemical and valence states are analyzed using XPS which confirms the existence of Zn, Sn, and SiO2, each with their distinctive Zn 2p, Sn 3d, and Si 2p valence states. The core shell formation is confirmed from their distinct color contrast in the TEM micrographs. The electrical response was investigated using impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range 1Hz-1 MHz at various temperatures. Positive temperature coefficient of resistance type behavior was established from impedance and modulus formalism. The total conductivity values were well fitted by the universal Jonscher law σtotal = σdc+ Aωn, and the temperature dependence of dc conductivity was discussed.

Cu2ZnSnS4 formation by laser annealing in controlled atmosphere

Laser annealing is an attractive process to form high-quality semiconductor films because of localized annealing area and short annealing time. In a previous study, a Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) polycrystalline semiconductor film was realized using laser annealing in air as a light absorption layer for solar cells, although the crystallization was not sufficient in comparison with CZTS formed by the conventional thermal sulfurization process. In this study, we demonstrate a newly developed gas-atmosphere-controlled laser annealing system. A Cu–Zn–Sn–S-based precursor was formed, followed by laser annealing of the system. Laser annealing in air, Ar, and 5% H2S/Ar gas was performed to investigate the influence of the gas species on the crystallization of the precursor. A 5% H2S/Ar atmosphere promoted the crystallization of CZTS with the suppression of S desorption and Cu sulfide formation, while air and Ar atmospheres allowed the formation of Cu sulfide.