Synthesis and characterization of ternary chalcogenides Ag8SnE6 (E = S, Se)

Nanocrystalline Ag8SnS6 and Ag8SnSe6 mere directly synthesized by the reaction of AgNO3, SnCl2 . 2H(2)O, and sulfur/selenium in a solvothermal process and 100 degrees C for 10 h, respectively. X-ray powder diffraction patterns, X-ray photoelectron spectra, and transmission electron microscope images show that the products are the Ag8SnS6 and Ag8SnSe6 phases which are well crystallized with the average size of about 20 and 25 nm, respectively. The possible mechanism for the formation of the nanocrystals in the solvothermal process was proposed. The solvent ethylenediamine played an important role in the growth of nanocrystals. (C) 2000 Academic Press.