Metallic Sn spheres and SnO(2)@C core-shells by anaerobic and aerobic catalytic ethanol and CO oxidation reactions over SnO(2) nanoparticles

SnO(2) has been studied intensely for applications to sensors, Li-ion batteries and solar cells. Despite this, comparatively little attention has been paid to the changes in morphology and crystal phase that occur on the metal oxide surface during chemical reactions. This paper reports anaerobic and aerobic ethanol and CO oxidation reactions over SnO(2) nanoparticles (NPs), as well as the subsequent changes in the nature of the NPs. Uniform SnO(2)@C core-shells (10 nm) were formed by an aerobic ethanol oxidation reaction over SnO(2) NPs. On the other hand, metallic Sn spheres were produced by an anaerobic ethanol oxidation reaction at 450 °C, which is significantly lower than that (1200 °C) used in industrial Sn production. Anaerobic and aerobic CO oxidation reactions were also examined. The novelty of the methods for the production of metallic Sn and SnO(2)@C core-shells including other anaerobic and aerobic reactions will contribute significantly to Sn and SnO(2)-based applications.