Optimization of electrolyte concentration and voltage for effective formation of Sn/SnO2 nanoparticles by electrolysis in liquid

• Tin nanoparticles were synthesized via direct-current electrolysis.
• The effect of electrolyte concentration and voltage were analyzed.
• Smaller particles were formed at 0.05 M concentration.
• Effective production energy was obtained at 110–130 V.
• 45 W h was required to produce 1 g tin nanoparticles.

This work investigates the optimum experimental conditions required for the synthesis of Sn nanoparticles (Sn-NPs) via surfactant-free direct-current electrolysis using KCl as the electrolyte. Metallic Sn wire was used as a cathode, which was melted by the local concentration of current upon the application of a direct-current voltage. The effect of electrolyte concentration was analyzed by varying the concentration from 0.01 to 1.0 M, under constant electric power of 40 W. Results indicated that the applied voltage required for plasma generation increased with a decrease in the electrolyte concentration and the particle size decreased at high applied voltage with low electrolyte concentration; particles with a mean diameter of 258.5 nm formed at 0.05 M. However, coarse Sn6O4(OH)4 crystals were precipitated at a concentration of 0.01 M. Therefore, the optimum concentration required for the formation of smaller particles was determined to be 0.05 M. Subsequently, the effect of voltage was analyzed by varying the applied voltage from 70 to 190 V. As a result, the effective production energy of 45 W h/g was obtained at voltages ranging from 110 to 130 V.

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