Solvothermal synthesis of α-MnS single crystals

In our effort to fabricate single crystals of MnS with rock salt structure, we have produced well-faceted pyramid-like single crystalline α-MnS with rock salt structure by simple low-temperature-based solvothermal process. Microstructural studies revealed four triangular facets grown over a square base facet of the pyramid. The length of the sides of each square base of the pyramids varied between 1 and 3 μm. Transmission electron microscopic observation indicated the single crystalline nature of the MnS pyramids. The square and triangular facets of the pyramid were indexed to the {2 0 0} and {1 1 1} planes, respectively. Single crystalline octahedron, cubo-octahedron and truncated pyramids were also obtained at different experimental conditions. Electron paramagnetic resonance measurement revealed the paramagnetic nature of the MnS crystals.