A new organometallic synthesis of size-controlled tin(0) nanoparticles

Tin(0) nanoparticles have been prepared by a new low temperature chemical reduction of SnCl4 with t-BuONa activated NaH in THF. The size and the crystallinity of the particles can be controlled by adjusting the reaction time. Subnanometrical and amorphous Sn(0) particles were produced after 1 h reaction at 65 °C. Tetragonal Sn(0) particles with diameters of 3.2 and 40.0 nm were respectively prepared by further heating for 1 and 3.5 h. The colloidal solutions thus produced are stable at room temperature for long periods of time. Sn nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, XPS and EDS analyses and x-ray powder diffraction.