Thermodynamic analysis and reduction of tin oxide with methane

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate reduction behavior of SnO2 ill a flowing methane atmosphere at 1200 K. Mass measurements and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the products at various stages of reactions. It was found that the extent of reduction of SnO2 to Sn increased with time. Complete reduction was achieved within 60 min at 1200 K. Thermodynamic calculations based on the minimization of the Gibbs' free energy revealed that the reduction of SnO2 to Sn proceeds via an intermediate compound of SnO at 1200 K. Possible reactions leading to the formation of Sri were suggested using the results of thermodynamic calculations. It was demonstrated that CH4 acts as a reducing agent for SnO2 at 1200 K. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.