Solvothermal synthesis of novel dendrite-like SnS particles in a mixed solvent of ethylenediamine and dodecanethiol

Novel dendrite-like SnS particles were synthesized for the first time by a facile solvothermal method based on the reaction between tin dichloride dihydrate (SnCl2·2H2O) and thiourea (Tu) in a mixed solvent of ethylenediamine (En) and dodecanethiol (De) at 200 °C for 24 h. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed that the concentration of SnCl2·2H2O and the relative volume ratios of En to De played important roles in the formation of unusual dendrite-like SnS architectures. On the basis of the experimental results, it was concluded that the formation of dendrite-like SnS particles was due to the oscillation of the concentration of Sn2+ ions at the vicinity of the growing surfaces, and the consequent periodic growth of the crystals.