Langmuir, Vol.31, No.23, 6570-6576, 2015
Electrochemical Activity of Dendrimer-Stabilized Tin Nanoparticles for Lithium Alloying Reactions
The synthesis and characterization of Sn nanoparticles in organic solvents using sixth-generation dendrimers modified on their periphery with hydrophobic groups as stabilizers are repotted. Sn2+:dendrimer ratios of 147 and 225 were employed for the synthesis, corresponding to formation Of Sn-147 and Sn-225 dendritner-Stabilized nanoparticles (DSNs). Transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated the presence of Ultrasmall Sn nanoparticles having an average size of 3.0-5.0 rim. X-ray absorption spectroscopy suggested the presence of Sn nanoparticles with only partially oxidized surfaces. Cyclic voltammetry studies of the So DSNs for Li alloying/dealloying reactions demonstrated good reversibility. Control experiments carried out in the absence of DSNs clearly indicated that these ultrasmall Sn DSNs react directly with Li to form SnLi alloys.