A novel solution-phase and low-temperature synthesis of SnSb nano-alloys

Monodisperse SnSb alloy nanoparticles were prepared by reduction of SnCl2 and SbCl5 using t-BuONa activated NaH. The morphology and the structure of the nano-alloy were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that very small rhombohedral nanoparticles with an average diameter of 4.7 ± 0.1 nm were produced. This route provides a promising candidate for studying capacities of nanosized SnSb alloys in electrochemical energy storage devices.