An Sn-SnOx nanoparticles were prepared by the deposition of metallic tin in the reactive atmosphere of atomic oxygen. An oxidation of Sn-SnOx nanoparticles in the oxygen pressures up to 3 mbar at 550 K in near-ambient pressure (NAP) cell led to the formation of SnO2 nanoparticles.
Both kinds of nanoparticles were investigated by means of photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS, NAP-XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Characterization of nanoparticles revealed Sn-SnOx round-shaped particles with average diameter 26 nm and SnO2 nanoparticles having rutile structure and average diameter 92 nm.