Methylation of inorganic tin by decaying spartina alterniflora in estuarine water and by estuarine water

Methyltin compounds (MeSn) which do not originate from man–made pollution are common in estuaries and particularly in salt marshes containing the marsh grass Spartina alterniflora. This study reports the results of experiments in which estuarine water containing S. alterniflora leaves is spiked with inorganic tin, and estuarine water alone is spiked with inorganic tin and MeSn. When decaying leaves are present, inorganic tin concentrations in the water decrease and there is a 10-fold increase in inorganic tin concentration in the leaves. This biosorption follows pseudo–first–order kinetics. MeSn³⁺ and Me₂Sn²⁺ occur occasionally in the water. The Me₂Sn²⁺ concentration decreases with time and the Me₃Sn²⁺ concentration increases with time in S. alterniflora leaves. The results of estuarine water amended with inorganic tin and MeSn in the absence of leaves are quite different. The overall inorganic tin concentration decreases significantly during the experiment, the MeSn³⁺ concentration is approximately constant, and concentrations of Me₂Sn²⁺ and Me₃Sn⁺ increase. This means that net methylation of inorganic tin has occurred. We conclude that decaying S. alterniflora is likely to be important in the cycling of tin in salt marshes.     

Underpotential deposition of tin(II) on a gold disc electrode and determination of tin in a tin plate sample

This work describes a study of the underpotential deposition (UPD) of Sn²⁺ on a polycrystalline gold disc electrode using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronocoulometry (CC). Sn²⁺ ions showed well-defined peaks from UPD and UPD stripping (UPD-S) in 1 mol/L HCl solutions, while bulk deposition (BD) and BD stripping (BD-S) of the ions were also observed. The measured UPD shifts, E_UPD, between the UPD-S and the BD-S peaks were more than 200 mV. The UPD charge and the surface coverage of tin were measured by CC. A new method for determining Sn²⁺ was therefore developed, based on the excellent electrochemical properties of the Au/Sn UPD system. A plot of the UPD-DPASV (differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry) signal versus the Sn(II) concentration was obtained for [Sn(II)] of 1.98×10^–7 to 3.64×10^–5 M. The method developed here has been applied to determine the tin in a tin plate sample.     

Détermination par spectrophotométrie d'absorption du potentiel normal du couple Cu(II)/Cu(I) dans les chlorures alcalins fondus

The reaction Cu²⁺ + Cl^? ? Cu⁺ + $\text{1}\text{2}$ Cl₂ has been studied in three different solvents—LiCl—KCl (70–30 % mol), eutectic LiCl–KCl (58–42 % mol) and LiCl–CsCl (55–45 % mol) at different temperatures by visible and near i.r. spectrophotometry. Equilibrium constants are calculated. The standard potential of the couple Cu²⁺/Cu⁺ with reference to the standard potential of Cl₂/2Cl^?, as well as the thermodynamic quantities $\text{Δ}\text{H}$ and $\text{Δ}\text{S}$ in the range 400–600 °C, have been deduced.     

Unusual electronic state of tin dopant atoms in surface layers of NiTiO<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer spectra of polycrystalline NiTiO₃ samples impregnated with a solution containing 0.3 at % Sn⁴⁺ are evidence that annealing in H₂ converts tin into the state with the electron density |Ψ(0)|² on ¹¹⁹Sn nuclei corresponding to “Sn³⁺” ions. The stabilization of tin atoms in such an untypical formal oxidation state occurs at a depth of no more than 2–3 nm from the surface of titanate crystallites. It was revealed that the Sn³⁺ ions are not subjected to spin polarization even at temperatures considerably lower than the Néel temperature of NiTiO₃, which can be explained by their location in the Ni²⁺ positions. The formation of Sn3+ prevents the further reduction of tin to the divalent state and, hence, precludes localization of ¹¹⁹Sn probe cations in positions at the interface.     

Brass and Bronze as Effective CO2 Reduction Electrocatalysts

Electrochemically reducing CO₂ into fuels using renewable electricity is a contemporary global challenge that requires significant advances in catalyst design. Photodeposition techniques were used to screen ternary alloys of Cu‐Zn‐Sn, which includes brass and bronze, for the electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to CO and formate. This analysis identified Cu_0.2Zn_0.4Sn_0.4 and Cu_0.2Sn_0.8 to be capable of reaching Faradaic efficiencies of >80 % for CO and formate formation, respectively, and capable of achieving partial current densities of 3 mA cm⁻² at an overpotential of merely 200 mV.     

Enthalpies of mixing of liquid systems for lead free soldering: Al-Cu-Sn system

The present work refers to high-temperature drop calorimetric measurements on liquid Al–Cu, Al–Sn, and Al–Cu–Sn alloys. The binary systems have been investigated at 973 K, up to 40 at.% Cu in case of Al–Cu, and over the entire concentrational range in case of Al–Sn. Measurements in the ternary Al–Cu–Sn system were performed along the following cross-sections: x_Al/x_Cu = 1:1, x_Al/x_Sn = 1:1, x_Cu/x_Sn = 7:3, x_Cu/x_Sn = 1:1, and x_Cu/x_Sn = 3:7 at 1273 K. Experimental data were used to find ternary interaction parameters by applying the Redlich–Kister–Muggianu model for substitutional solutions, and a full set of parameters describing the concentration dependence of the enthalpy of mixing was derived. From these, the isoenthalpy curves were constructed for 1273 K. The ternary system shows an exothermic enthalpy minimum of approx. ?18,000 J/mol in the Al–Cu binary and a maximum of approx. 4000 J/mol in the Al–Sn binary system. The Al–Cu–Sn system is characterized by considerable repulsive ternary interactions as shown by the positive ternary interaction parameters.     

Deeper insight on the lithium reaction mechanism with amorphous tin composite oxides

Lithium reaction mechanism in amorphous tin composite oxide SnB_0.6P_0.4O_2.9 is characterized by X-ray diffraction, ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray absorption fine structure. The analysis of the experimental data concerning SnB_0.6P_0.4O_2.9 shows that Sn^II is highly ionic and is surrounded by three oxygen atoms. The detailed analysis of lithium insertion mechanism shows a complex reduction mechanism in two steps. During the first one the main reaction corresponds to a partial Sn^II reduction, involving a mixed valence system. It is accompanied by modifications of tin environments, while lithium acts as a network modifier inducing the formation of nonbridging oxygen atoms. The second step corresponds to LiSn alloying process, with the formation of LiSn bonds. It is worth noting the persistence of SnO interactions in this second step. The reversible part of the mechanism can be explained from the formation of small particles of lithium–tin alloys in strong interaction with the oxygen atoms in the glass matrix, while the vitreous support presents an interesting dispersal effect.     

Coordinatively Unsaturated Polynuclear Mixed-Valent Sn<Superscript>II</Superscript>–Sn<Superscript>IV</Superscript> and Cu<Superscript>II</Superscript>–Sn<Superscript>IV</Superscript> Oxo-Centered Carboxylates

The tetranuclear mixed-valent oxo-cluster [Sn^IISn^IVO(O₂CCF₃)₄]₂ (1) has been prepared by reacting SnCl₂ with AgO₂CCF₃ in a sealed ampoule at 90 °C. Alternatively, 1 was obtained by acidolysis of Ph₃SnSnPh₃ with trifluoroacetic acid in solution. The X-ray diffraction study of 1 revealed the presence of a Sn^IIOSn₂^IVOSn^II core comprised of the penta-coordinated divalent and six-coordinated tetravalent tin atoms. The ¹¹⁹Sn NMR studies confirmed the stability of the cluster in solution and the presence of two different oxidation states of tin. An acidolysis of Ph₃SnSnPh₃ in the presence of [Cu₂^II(O₂CCF₃)₄] followed by sublimation of the resulting product at 90 °C afforded the first trinuclear mixed metal Sn–Cu cluster [(C₆H₅)₂Sn₂^IVCu^IIO(O₂CCF₃)₆] (2). The X-ray diffraction analysis of 2 revealed the presence of two phenyl groups attached to the six-coordinated tin(IV) atoms and the tetragonal pyramidal environment of the copper(II) atom. Both complexes have been obtained free of exogenous ligands.     

Synthesis and Structure of the Bicyclic [Sn4Se11]6– Anion in Na6Sn4Se11 · 22 H2O

Na₆Sn₄Se₁₁ · 22 H₂O can be crystallised at –8 °C as yellow‐orange needles from the 1 : 2 H₂O/CH₃OH mother liquor of a superheated reaction mixture of NaOH(s), Sn and Se. The bicyclic [Sn₄Se₁₁]^6– anion exhibits crystallographic C₂ symmetry and is composed of corner‐bridged SnSe₄ tetrahedra. Two opposite tin atoms of an Sn₄Se₄ 8‐membered ring are linked by a common Se atom, thereby affording two 6‐membered boat‐shaped Sn₃Se₃ rings with a shared Sn–Se–Sn bridging unit. [Sn₄Se₁₁]^6– thus represents the immediate precursor of the well‐known adamantane‐like [Sn₄Se₁₀]^4– anion.     

The Si?Sn Chemical Bond: An Integrated Thermochemical and Quantum Mechanical Study of the SiSn Diatomic Molecule and Small Si–Sn Clusters

The silicon–tin chemical bond has been investigated by a study of the SiSn diatomic molecule and a number of new polyatomic Si_xSn_y molecules. These species, formed in the vapor produced from silicon–tin mixtures at high temperature, were experimentally studied by using a Knudsen effusion mass spectrometric technique. The heteronuclear diatomic SiSn, together with the triatomic Si₂Sn and SiSn₂ and tetratomic Si₃Sn, Si₂Sn₂, and SiSn₃ species, were identified in the vapor and studied in the overall temperature range 1474–1944 K. The atomization energy of all the above molecules was determined for the first time (values in kJ mol^?1): 233.0±7.8 (SiSn), 625.6±11.6 (Si₂Sn), 550.2±10.7 (SiSn₂), 1046.1±19.9 (Si₃Sn), 955.2±26.8 (Si₂Sn₂), and 860.2±19.0 (SiSn₃). In addition, a computational study of the ground and low‐lying excited electronic states of the newly identified molecules has been made. These electronic‐structure calculations were performed at the DFT‐B3LYP/cc‐pVTZ and CCSD(T)/cc‐pVTZ levels, and allowed the estimation of reliable molecular parameters and hence the thermal functions of the species under study. Computed atomization energies were also derived by taking into account spin–orbit corrections and extrapolation to the complete basis‐set limit. A comparison between experimental and theoretical results is presented. Revised values of (716.5±16) kJ mol^?1 (Si₃) and (440±20) kJ mol^?1 (Sn₃) are also proposed for the atomization energies of the Si₃ and Sn₃ molecules.     

Alkaline Metal Stannide‐Stannates: ‘Double Salts’ with Zintl Sn and Stannate SnO Anions

Using the reduction of tin oxides with the elemental alkaline metals rubidium and cesium, stannide stannates have been synthesized which contain Zintl anions [Sn₄]^4— (i.e. Sn^—I) and isolated oxostannate ions [SnO₃]^4— (i.e. Sn^+II) together with further oxide ions for charge compensation. The crystal structures of the three compounds A_23.6Sn_7.4O_13.2 = A_23.6[Sn₄][SnO₃]_3.4[O]₃ (A = Rb 1a : monoclinic, P2₁/c, a = 2174.2(6), b = 1137.0(6), c = 2373.6(6) pm, β = 116.11(2)°, Z = 4, R1 = 0.056; A = Cs 1b : monoclinic, P2₁/c, a = 2042.6(6), b = 1185.4(3), c = 2481.1(7) pm, β = 97.06(2)°, Z = 4, R1 = 0.075) and Cs₄₈Sn₂₀O₂₁ = Cs₄₈[Sn₄]₄[SnO₃]₄[O]₇[O₂] ( 2 monoclinic, P2/c, a = 1701.8(3), b = 877.4(2), c = 4556.9(7) pm, β= 101.47(1)°, R1 = 0.093) have been determined on the basis of single crystal data. The transparency of the compounds allowed the recording of raman spectra of the anion [Sn₄]^4—. The ¹¹⁹Sn Moessbauer spectrum of the rubidium compound shows a singulet in good agreement with RbSn, overlapping a doublet caused by Sn²⁺ in the asymmetrical environment of the strongly electronegative oxygen ligands of SnO.     

Heterometallic Clusters [CuSn3S9]5− and [Cu6Sn6S20]10−: Solvothermal Synthesis and Characterization of 4f–3d Thiostannates

Two types of 4f–3d thiostannates with general formula [Hen]₂[Ln(en)₄(CuSn₃S₉)] ? 0.5 en ( Ln1 ; Ln=La, 1 ; Ce, 2 ) and [Hen]₄[Ln(en)₄]₂[Cu₆Sn₆S₂₀] ? 3 en ( Ln2 ; Ln=Nd, 3 ; Gd, 4 ; Er, 5 ) were prepared by reactions of Ln₂O₃, Cu, Sn, and S in ethylenediamine (en) under solvothermal conditions between 160 and 190 °C. However, reactions performed in the range from 120 to 140 °C resulted in crystallization of [Sn₂S₆]^4? compounds and CuS powder. In 1 and 2 , three SnS₄ tetrahedra and one CuS₃ triangle are joined by sharing sulfur atoms to form a novel [CuSn₃S₉]^5? cluster that coordinates to the Ln³⁺ ion of [Ln(en)₄]³⁺ (Ln=La, Ce) as a monodentate ligand. The [CuSn₃S₉]^5? unit is the first thio‐based heterometallic adamantane‐like cluster coordinating to a lanthanide center. In 3 – 5 , six SnS₄ tetrahedra and six CuS₃ triangles are connected by sharing common sulfur atoms to form the ternary [Cu₆Sn₆S₂₀]^10? cluster, in which a Cu₆ core is enclosed by two Sn₃S₁₀ fragments. The topological structure of the novel Cu₆ core can be regarded as two Cu₄ tetrahedra joined by a common edge. The Ln³⁺ ions in Ln1 and Ln2 are in nine‐ and eightfold coordination, respectively, which leads to the formation of the [CuSn₃S₉]^5? and [Cu₆Sn₆S₂₀]^10? clusters under identical synthetic conditions. The syntheses of Ln1 and Ln2 show the influence of the lanthanide contraction on the quaternary Ln/Cu/Sn/S system in ethylenediamine. Compounds 1 – 5 exhibit bandgaps in the range of 2.09–2.48 eV depending on the two different types of clusters in the compounds. Compounds 1 , 3 , and 4 lost their organic components in the temperature range of 110–350 °C by multistep processes.     

Absorption Spectroscopy Analysis of Calcium–Phosphate Glasses Highly Doped with Monovalent Copper

CaO–P₂O₅ glasses with high concentrations of monovalent copper ions were prepared by a simple melt–quench method through CuO and SnO co‐doping. Spectroscopic characterization was carried out by optical absorption with the aim of analyzing the effects of Cu⁺ ions on the optical band‐gap energies, which were estimated on the basis of indirect–allowed transitions. The copper(I) content is estimated in the CuO/SnO‐containing glasses after the assessment of the concentration dependence of Cu²⁺ absorption in the visible region for CuO singly doped glasses. An exponential dependence of the change in optical band gaps (relative to the host) with Cu⁺ concentration is inferred up to about 10 mol %. However, the entire range is divided into two distinct linear regions that are characterized by different rates of change with respect to concentration: 1) below 5 mol %, where the linear dependence presents a relatively high magnitude of the slope; and 2) from 5–10 mol %, where a lower magnitude of the slope is manifested. With increasing concentration, the mean Cu⁺?Cu⁺ interionic distance decreases, thereby decreasing the sensitivity of monovalent copper for light absorption. The decrease in optical band‐gap energies is ultimately shown to follow a linear dependence with the interionic distance, suggesting the potential of the approach to gauge the concentration of monovalent copper straightforwardly in amorphous hosts.     

Synthesis,Structures, and Properties of Crystalline Salts with Radical Anions of Metal‐Containing and Metal‐Free Phthalocyanines

Radical anion salts of metal‐containing and metal‐free phthalocyanines [MPc(3?)]^.?, where M=Cu^II, Ni^II, H₂, Sn^II, Pb^II, Ti^IVO, and V^IVO ( 1 – 10 ) with tetraalkylammonium cations have been obtained as single crystals by phthalocyanine reduction with sodium fluorenone ketyl. Their formation is accompanied by the Pc ligand reduction and affects the molecular structure of metal phthalocyanine radical anions as well as their optical and magnetic properties. Radical anions are characterized by the alternation of short and long C?N_imine bonds in the Pc ligand owing to the disruption of its aromaticity. Salts 1 – 10 show new bands at 833–1041 nm in the NIR range, whereas the Q‐ and Soret bands are blue‐shifted by 0.13–0.25 eV (38‐92 nm) and 0.04–0.07 eV (4–13 nm), respectively. Radical anions with Ni^II, Sn^II, Pb^II, and Ti^IVO have S=1/2 spin state, whereas [Cu^IIPc(3?)]^.? and [V^IVOPc(3?)]^.? containing paramagnetic Cu^II and V^IVO have two S=1/2 spins per radical anion. Central metal atoms strongly affect EPR spectra of phthalocyanine radical anions. Instead of narrow EPR signals characteristic of metal‐free phthalocyanine radical anions [H₂Pc(3?)]^.? (linewidth of 0.08–0.24 mT), broad EPR signals are manifested (linewidth of 2–70 mT) with g‐factors and linewidths that are strongly temperature‐dependent. Salt 11 containing the [Na^IPc(2?)]^? anions as well as previously studied [Fe^IPc(2?)]^? and [Co^IPc(2?)]^? anions that are formed without reduction of the Pc ligand do not show changes in molecular structure or optical and magnetic properties characteristic of [MPc(3?)]^.? in 1 – 10 .     

Synthese und Kristallstruktur des gemischt‐valenten Komplexes [Sn2I3(NPPh3)3]

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Mixed Valent Complex [Sn₂I₃(NPPh₃)₃] The mixed valent phosphoraneiminato complex [Sn₂I₃(NPPh₃)₃] ( 1 ) was prepared by the reaction of the tin(II) complex [SnI(NPPh₃)]₂ with sodium in tetrahydrofuran. 1 crystallizes with two formula units of THF to form yellow, moisture sensitive single crystals, which were characterized by a crystal structure determination. 1 · 2 THF: Space group P2₁/c, Z = 4, lattice dimensions at –80 °C: a = 1964.5(2), b = 1766.0(2), c = 2058.6(2) pm; β = 118.33(1)°, R = 0.052. 1 forms dimeric molecules in which the tin atoms are linked by two nitrogen atoms of two (NPPh₃^–) groups to form a planar Sn₂N₂ four‐membered ring. The Sn^IV atom is additionally coordinated by a terminal iodine atom and by a terminal (NPPh₃^–) group, whereas the Sn^II atom is additionally coordinated by two iodine atoms forming a ψ trigonal‐bipyramidal surrounding.     

Formation of alloys upon the simultaneous electrochemical deposition of gold and tin from ethylene glycol and aqueous electrolytes

An ethylene glycol (EG) solution containing Au(III) and Sn(IV) compounds, and conditions for the electrochemical deposition of Au–Sn alloy based on AuSn and Au₅Sn intermetallics with total tin content of 30–55 at % are proposed. Fundamental difficulties of the deposition of alloys with high tin content, (including eutectic Au–Sn alloy) from aqueous electrolytes are revealed. It is determined via voltammetry that the simultaneous deposition of gold and tin from aqueous and EG electrolytes proceeds with the depolarization effect of both Au(III) and Sn(IV) as a result of the formation of the alloy, the increase in the rate of tin cathodic reduction being more noticeable in case of EG solution. Formation of SnCl₂EG(H₂O)₂⁺ complex upon the dissolution of SnCl₄ · 5H₂O in glycol, the stability of the composition of tetracyanoaurate ions upon the dissolution of K[Au(CN)₄], and the weakening of intermolecular interactions in EG with small amounts of water were revealed via IR spectroscopy. It is suggested that the depolarization effect is due not only to alloy formation, but also to the formation of SnCl₂EG(H₂O)₂⁺ cations, their association with Au(CN)₄^- anions, and a change in the mechanism of Au(III) and Sn(IV) reduction.     

The Ternary Stannides MgRuSn4 and MgxRh3Sn7—x (x = 0.98—1.55)

The magnesium transition metal stannides MgRuSn₄ and Mg_xRh₃Sn_7—x (x = 0.98—1.55) were synthesized from the elements in glassy carbon crucibles in a water‐cooled sample chamber of a high‐frequency furnace. They were characterized by X‐ray diffraction on powders and single crystals. MgRuSn₄ adopts an ordered PdGa₅ type structure: I4/mcm, a = 674.7(1), c = 1118.1(2) pm, wR2 = 0.0506, 515 F² values and 12 variable parameters. The ruthenium atoms have a square‐antiprismatic tin coordination with Ru—Sn distances of 284 pm. These [RuSn_8/2] antiprisms are condensed via common faces forming two‐dimensional networks. The magnesium atoms fill square‐prismatic cavities between adjacent [RuSn₄] layers with Mg—Sn distances of 299 pm. The rhodium based stannides Mg_xRh₃Sn_7—x crystallize with the cubic Ir₃Ge₇ type structure, space groupe Im3m. The structures of four single crystals with x = 0.98, 1.17, 1.36, and 1.55 have been refined from X‐ray diffractometer data. With increasing tin substitution the a lattice parameter decreases from 932.3(1) pm for x = 0.98 to 929.49(6) pm for x = 1.55. The rhodium atoms have a square antiprismatic tin/magnesium coordination. Mixed Sn/Mg occupancies have been observed for both tin sites but to a larger extend for the 12d Sn2 site. Chemical bonding in MgRuSn₄ and Mg_xRh₃Sn_7—x is briefly discussed.     

Prospective of the LDI MS to characterization the corrosion products of silver-copper alloys on an example of the Ag-Cu-X (X- Zn,Pd, In) system

This work presents the perspective of applying the laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI MS) for characterization the anode film of the Ag₆₀Cu₂₆Zn₁₄, Ag_58.5Cu_31.5Pd₁₀, and Ag₆₃Cu₂₇In₁₀ alloys (at high concentrations of chloride ions in solutions). The reference LDI mass spectra of anode films of pure Ag and Cu have been used for the identification of product corrosion. Knowing the clusters detected in the reference spectra lead to the facilitating identification of the LDI mass spectrum of the sample and reduces the analysis time. The LDI MS analysis of these alloys revealed that the predominant corrosion product are AgCl (from Ag_nCl_n+1^?/+, n = 1–3), and CuCl (from “superhalogen” Cu_mCl_n^? clusters, m = 1–2, n = 2–6); it also revealed Cu₂(OH)₃Cl (from Cu₂(OH)(H₂O)₂⁺) and Cu₂O (from Cu(H₂O)⁺, Cu₂O doped with chlorine). These results are in accordance with the X-ray diffraction and Raman analysis. The LDI MS spectra of alloys contain the additional peaks formed due to the mutual influences of different metals in the alloys (AgCuCl₃^? (AgCl-CuCl₂^?), AgCu₂Cl₄^? (AgCl-CuCl-CuCl₂^?), and Ag₂CuCl₄^? (AgCl-AgCl-CuCl^?), which is consistent with the identified corrosion products. It should be noted that the LDI MS suggest the presence of CuCl₂, which can be interpreted as the corrosion products retained in the porous films of alloys, and not detected by the other methods due to a small amount. The future theoretical and experimental studies of metal clusters, significant for metallurgy, can contribute that the LDI MS is becoming a powerful analytical tool for characterization the metal surfaces.     

The electrodeposition of Zn-Ti alloys from ZnCl2-urea deep eutectic solvent

The electrochemical behavior of Ti(IV) and the electrodeposition of Zn-Ti alloys were investigated in a ZnCl₂-urea (1:3 molar ratio) deep eutectic solvent containing 0.27 mol L^?1 TiCl₄. The electrochemical reduction of Ti(IV) to Ti was complicated by the formation of intermediate oxidation states of Ti(III) and Ti(II), as well as the precipitation of TiCl₃. It was possible to prepare Zn-Ti alloys containing 5.8–16.7 at.% Ti. The composition and surface morphology of Zn-Ti alloys depended on deposition potential and temperature. The deposits could be indexed to a disordered hexagonal close-packed structure similar to pure Zn and were completely chloride-free. The current efficiency for the deposition of Zn-Ti alloys varied from 38.4 to 67.9 %.     

Surface characterization of CuSn thin films deposited by RF co‐sputtering method

CuSn thin films were deposited by the radio‐frequency (RF) magnetron co‐sputtering method on Si(100) with Cu and Sn metal targets with various RF powers. The thickness of the films was fixed at 200 ± 10 nm. The synthesized CuSn thin films mainly consisted of Cu₂₀Sn₆ and Cu₃₉Sn₁₁ phases, which was revealed by an X‐ray diffraction (XRD) study. The high‐resolution Cu 2p XPS and Cu LMM Auger electron spectra indicate that metallic Cu oxidized to Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺ as the RF power on Cu target increased. The atomic ratios of Sn⁰ and Sn⁴⁺ decreased, while that of Sn²⁺ increased with increasing RF power on the Cu target. The polar surface free energy (SFE) component has a different tendency in comparison with the total SFE and the dispersive SFE component. The dispersive SFE component was the dominating contributing factor to the total SFE compared with the polar SFE. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.