Synthesis of SnS nanocrystals by the solvothermal decomposition of a single source precursor

SnS nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized from bis(diethyldithiocarbamato) tin(II) in oleylamine at elevated temperature. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) investigation and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the synthesized SnS particles are monocrystalline with an orthorhombic structure. The shape and size tunability of SnS NCs can be achieved by controlling the reaction temperature and time, and the nature of the stabilizing ligands. The comparison between experimental optical band gap values shows evidence of quantum confinement of SnS NCs. Prepared SnS NCs display strong absorption in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectral regions making them promising candidates for solar cell energy conversion.