Issue 6, 2018

Ab initio surface properties of Ag–Sn alloys: implications for lead-free soldering

Abstract

Ag and Sn are the major components of solder alloys adopted to assemble printed circuit boards. The qualities that make them the alloys of choice for the modern electronic industry are related to their physical and chemical properties. For corrosion resistance and solderability, surface properties are particularly important. Yet, atomic-level information about the surfaces of these alloys is not known. Here we fill this gap by presenting an extensive ab initio investigation of composition, energetics, structure and reactivity of Ag–Sn alloy surfaces. The structure and stability of various surfaces is evaluated, and the main factors determining the energetics of surface formation are uncovered. Oxygen and sulphur chemisorptions are studied and discussed in the framework of corrosion tendency, an important issue for printed circuit boards. Adsorption energy trends are rationalized based on the analysis of structural and electronic features.

Graphical abstract: Ab initio surface properties of Ag–Sn alloys: implications for lead-free soldering

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
08 Nov 2017
Accepted
22 Dec 2017
First published
02 Jan 2018

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2018,20, 4277-4286

Ab initio surface properties of Ag–Sn alloys: implications for lead-free soldering

G. Saleh, C. Xu and S. Sanvito, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2018, 20, 4277 DOI: 10.1039/C7CP07551K

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