Synthesis and aggregation study of tin nanoparticles and colloids obtained by chemical liquid deposition

Tin colloids (Sn-Colls) and nanoparticles were synthesized by a chemical liquid deposition method (CLD). Sn⁰ was evaporated and codeposited with acetone, 2-propanol, and tetrahydrofurane vapors at 77 K to obtain colloidal dispersions. Sn-Coll were characterized by UV spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy [Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)], and light scattering. TEM micrographs of tin nanoparticles (Sn-Nps) revealed a particle size distribution between 2 and 4 nm for the three solvents used in the synthesis. UV studies showed strong absorption bands in the UV region, suggesting that the Sn-Nps obtained by CLD exhibit quantum confinement and typical bands of plasmons corresponded to aggregated particles. Electrophoresis measurement indicated a significant tendency of particle aggregation along time, which was verified by light scattering studies. The diffraction patterns revealed phases corresponding to metallic tin and FTIR studies showed the interaction Sn-solvent in the metal surface by Sn-O bonds, indicating a solvatation of metallic clusters. Thermal analysis revealed a good thermal stability of Sn-Nps. The mechanism of tin nanoparticles formation was also examined.