Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of Nanocrystalline Cu2SnS3

The preparation of nanocrystalline Cu2SnS3 at synthetic conditions of low temperature (<180°C) was first reported. Nanocrystalline Cu2SnS3 was directly synthesized from the reaction of CuCl2·2H2O with elemental tin and sulfur through a solvothermal process in ethylenediamine at 140–180°C for 15 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, transmission electron microscope (TEM) images, and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) were used to characterize the products. The mechanism of the formation of the Cu2SnS3 nanocrystals in the solvothermal process was proposed. The UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and the electric conductivity of products were also studied.