Synthesis of In–Sn alloy nanoparticles by a solution dispersion method

Abstract

In this paper, we report a novel solution method for preparing alloy nanoparticles that involves dispersion, surface oxidation and solvent absorption. In–Sn alloy nanoparticles were prepared by dispersing melt In–Sn alloy in a suitable solvent from In–Sn alloy. Transmission electron microscopy shows that the nanoparticles appear to be close to a spherical shape and have an average diameter of 60 nm. Electron diffraction and power X-ray diffraction studies confirm that the formation of In–Sn alloy nanoparticles that have the same crystal structure with equilibrium phase In₃Sn and InSn₄ as the bulk alloy. Thermal analysis reveals that the samples contain at least 3 wt% organic solvent. In addition, the tribological properties of In–Sn alloy nanoparticles as an additive in lubricating oil were evaluated on a four-ball tester. The results show that the In–Sn alloy nanoparticles have excellent performance in wear, which is better than that of the corresponding monometallic particles.