The inherent advantages of nanostructured materials can be enhanced by combining two phases with different properties. Under the proposed GER-RUS bilateral research project, we will develop tin (Sn)-based nanocomposites. The functional Sn-based nanostructures embedded in a SiNWs matrix have several advantages and offer attractive opportunities due to their chemical and mechanical stability, low-cost fabrication, and improved optical and catalytic properties. In this context, the envisioned
scientific breakthrough of the proposed project is the To generate Sn-based surfaces, vapor deposition is applied using tin(II) and tin(IV) alkoxide precursors and metallic tin magnetron sputtering. The results are complemented by theoretical modeling of the growth processes and plasmonic properties. In this way, an optimized process for Sn/SnOx nanostructured surfaces can be developed and established. An accurate and detailed analysis of the atomic and electronic structure as well as the physicochemical state of the formed structures, will be achieved using the following surface sensitive analytical methods: XANES (X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure), XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) and PEEM (Photo Emission Electron Microscopy) using large scale equipment at BESSY II and the National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute". In addition, USXES (Ultrasoft X-ray emission spectroscopy) is applied to characterize the silicon matrices with a unique non-destructive depth profiling. All methods will be applied in surface and bulk sensitive modes and complemented by computer modeling and electronic structure-ab-initio calculations of the main possible phases. 

The project is funded by DFG-Inten.bilat.Koop under the number DE 2852/1-1; AOBJ: 674302.