Synthesis of tin nanoparticles through modified polyol process and effects of centrifuging and drying on nanoparticles

Sn nanoparticles with average diameter of 13.1 nm were synthesized by modified polyol process, and their melting point was observed to be about 40 °C less than that of bulk Sn. Even though Sn nanoparticles are solid and covered with thin PVP capping and oxide layer, Sn nanoparticles in solution agglomerate upon centrifugation, resulting in a melting point increase. Owing to stickiness of the PVP capping layer, extensive aggregation between Sn nanoparticles was observed after drying. However, the aggregation behavior did not further influence the melting point, because actual agglomeration did not occur in the aggregates.