Fabrication of layered nanocrystallites SnS and β-SnS2 via a mild solution route

Layered nanocrystallines SnS and β-SnS2 were fabricated through a mild solvothermal route in the temperature range of 180–190°C. Reaction of thiourea with different tin sources (SnCl2·2H2O, SnCl4·5H2O or SnCl4) in organic solvents (benzene or ethanol) has been systematically investigated. By merely adjusting the proportion of the reactants, phase-pure SnS and β-SnS2 could be obtained, respectively. The resulting compounds were examined by XRD and TEM techniques.