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, Sn(3)O(4), 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 Sn(3)O(4) layer. The solid Sn particle was then heated above the melting temperature of Sn, and the melting behavior of Sn was observed.
Freezing Nanoparticles