Synthesis of flower-like sns2 nanostructured microspheres using PEG 200 as solvent

The flower-like tin disulphide (SnS₂) microspheres have been synthesised by a facile solution-based route using polyethylene glycol 200 as the solvent and template. The products are characterised by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Experimental results show that the flower-like SnS₂ microspheres with diameters around 2-5--m are made of many interleaving petal-like nanostructures. These nanopetals are 1-3--m in side length and less than 60-nm in thickness. The influences of solvent and sulphur source on the morphology of SnS₂ nanostructures have also been investigated. The possible growth mechanism is discussed. Furthermore, the room-temperature Raman spectrum of the flower-like SnS₂ microspheres is also studied.