Preparation and characterization of SnS nanocrystals by a triethanolamine-assisted diethylene glycol solution synthesis

Stoichiometric, phase-controllable SnS nanocrystals (NCs) were prepared by a solution chemical synthesis using triethanolamine-assisted diethylene glycol solvent, tin(II) chloride and thioacetamide as precursors at injection temperature of 180–220 °C. The influences of triethanolamine adding amounts, injection temperature, refluxing time on crystal phase, growth morphology and optical property of the synthesized SnS NCs were investigated. The results showed that both orthorhombic (OR) and zinc-blende (ZB) phase of SnS NCs could be formed by altering triethanolamine amounts.