In situ observation of oxidation of liquid droplets of tin and melting behavior of a tin particle covered with a tin oxide layer

Abstract

Oxidation of a liquid droplet of tin (Sn) was observed using an in situ specimen heating holder in an oxygen environment. The surface of the Sn liquid droplet was covered with a tin oxide layer, Sn(3)O(4), the thickness of which depended on the oxygen pressure and temperature. Subsequent cooling of the droplet resulted in the formation of a solid Sn particle covered with a Sn(3)O(4) layer. The solid Sn particle was then heated above the melting temperature of Sn, and the melting behavior of Sn was observed.

Thermodynamic Modeling of Oxidation of Tin Nanoparticles

“…Their results reveal a two-stage oxidation process. During a continuous heating (2-20 K min -1 ) SnO shell is created first at temperatures 473-523 K. The second step in the temperature range 673-973 K results in a formation of Table 1 Invariant points in the Sn-O system calculated with data from [7] Coexisting phases T [18] Sn 3 O 4 as a product of liquid tin nanodroplets oxidation was identified by Mima et al [19] who employed TEM for an in situ analysis of Sn(l)/tin oxide boundary during oxidation. Sutter et al [20] have studied the size-dependent room temperature oxidation of tin nanoparticles in air.…”