Thermodynamic studies on Sn–Na alloy in an intermediate temperature ionic liquid NaFSA–KFSA at 363 K

The equilibrium potentials for Sn–Na alloy formation reactions are investigated in an intermediate temperature ionic liquid, NaFSA–KFSA (xNaFSA = 0.56, xKFSA = 0.44, FSA = bis(fluorosulfonyl)amides), at 363 K. Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) is employed to obtain the potential–Na composition curve of the Sn–Na alloy. Ex situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals that plateaus at 0.16 and 0.08 V vs. Na+/Na in the potential–Na composition curve correspond to α-NaSn/Na9Sn4 and Na9Sn4/Na15Sn4 two-phase states, respectively. Although distinct potential plateaus are not observed, the equilibrium potentials of β-Sn/NaSn2 and NaSn2/α-NaSn are suggested to be 0.53 and 0.46 V vs. Na+/Na, respectively. Finally, the Gibbs free energies of formation of the Sn–Na alloys are calculated and compared with reported data.

► Thermodynamic studies were conducted on Sn–Na alloys in NaFSA–KFSA at 363 K.
► Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique was employed.
► A potential–Na composition curve was obtained during alloy formation.
► Na15Sn4 and α-NaSn phases were detected by ex situ X-ray diffraction analysis.
► The formation potentials of several Sn–Na alloys were determined.