Synthesis and characterization of palladium-tin bicolloids prepared by chemical liquid deposition

Palladium-tin bicolloids have been prepared by chemical liquid deposition. The metals were cocondensed at 77 K with ethanol, 2-propanol, 2-methoxyethanol, 2-butanone and acetone. The distribution of particle sizes was determined by transmission electron microscopy of the stables dispersions. The sizes ranged from 3.8 nm for 2-methoxyethanol to 8.3 nm for acetone colloids. Electrophoretic measurements such as colloid charge and zeta potential were achieved. lt was found that the colloids possess electrical charge; therefore, it is postulated that their stability is by simple solvatation. The colloids showed stability over 1 week at room temperature. The zeta-potential values are in agreement with the stability and electrophoretic mobility. The highest zeta potential was obtained for PdSn-2-methoxyethanol colloids with 379 mV and the lowest for 2-butanone with 114 mV. The colloids exhibit absorption bands in the UV region. In the visible region no plasma absorption was found. Active solids obtained by evaporation of the solvent contain a certain amount of the solvent incorporated, and owing to their reactivity they produce a mixture of tin oxide with palladium and tin. The presence of solvents can be observed by Fourier transform IR incorporation in the finely divided solids. Characteristic bands for each solvent were measured. By means of thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry the thermal stability of the solids and the transition heat give us the carbonaceous residues in the films. The elemental analysis of the powders was carried out.