Tin Nanowires at University of Quebec

Factiva: "Tin oxide nanowires (NWs) exhibit interesting electronic properties, which can be harnessed for applications in nanoelectronic devices and sensors. Oriented single crystalline tin oxide NWs were grown at 45 degrees from a titanium dioxide substrate,' scientists in Varennes, Canada report."

EC probes heat stabiliser cartel

Specchemonline: The European Commission has sent a Statement of Objections to an unspecified number of companies heat stabilisers producers concerning their alleged participation in a cartel in violation of EU rules on restrictive business practices. This may ultimately lead to heavy fines if such conduct is proven.

The statement concerns two categories of heat stabilisers: tin stabilisers and epoxidised soybean oil (ESBO) esters. 

"Whilst the number and names of the companies involved has not been disclosed, Akzo Nobel and Ciba Specialty Chemicals both acknowledged receiving the statement. The former added only that it was looking at it and preparing its defence; the latter made no further comment. BASF, which is in the process of acquiring Ciba, said that it was not involved.

The alleged cartel dates back many years, since Ciba exited heat stabilisers in 1998. Akzo Nobel said that the allegations date from before 2001. An investigation began in the EU, the US and Canada in 2003 and Crompton, which later merged with Great Lakes into Chemtura, was given immunity from prosecution in return for agreeing to co-operate at an early stage."

Reversible storage of lithium in a rambutan-like tin-carbon electrode

Scopus: "A simple bottom-up self-assembly method was used to fabricate rambutan-like tin-carbon (Sn@C) nanoarchitecture (see scheme, green Sn) to improve the reversible storage of lithium in tin. The mechanism of the growth of the pear-like hairs is explored."

SnO2 nanogels in ionic liquids

Factiva: "'SnO2 translucent monolith ionogels were obtained by a sol-gel processing using bis(2-methylbutan-2-oxy)di(pentan-2,4-dionato)tin as a precursor in the presence of various ionic liquids: [BMI][Br], [BMI][TFSI], [BMI][BF4],' scientists writing in the journal Dalton Transactions report.

'The confinement of ionic liquids within the gels was evidenced by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, FTIR and FT-Raman spectroscopy. The ionic liquids could be efficiently washed off, which resulted in supermicroporous solids,' wrote S. Bellayer and colleagues, University of Bordeaux.

The researchers concluded: 'Calcination in air at 550 degrees C of the dried monoliths resulted in nanoporous nanocrystalline cassiterite tin dioxide particles with crystallite sizes of about 8-12 nm and mean pore sizes around 5 nm.'"

In situ observation of oxidation of liquid droplets of tin and melting behavior of a tin particle covered

Scopus: "Oxidation of a liquid droplet of tin (Sn) was observed using an in situ specimen heating holder in an oxygen environment. The surface of the Sn liquid droplet was covered with a tin oxide layer, Sn3O4, the thickness of which depended on the oxygen pressure and temperature. Subsequent cooling of the droplet resulted in the formation of a solid Sn particle covered with a Sn3O4 layer. The solid Sn particle was then heated above the melting temperature of Sn, and the melting behavior of Sn was observed"

Activity of platinum-tin catalysts prepared by the Pechini-Adams method for the electrooxidation of e

Scopus: "Pt-Sn electrocatalysts of different compositions were prepared and dispersed on carbon Vulcan XC-72 using the Pechini-Adams method. The catalysts were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical properties of these electrode materials were also examined by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometric experiments in acid medium. 

The results showed that the presence of Sn greatly enhances the activity of Pt towards the electrooxidation of ethanol."