Syntheses and characterization of one-dimensional alkali metal antimony(III) thiostannates(IV), A2Sb2Sn3S10 (A=K, Rb, Cs)

•Syntheses of new alkali metal antimony(III) thiostannates(IV), A2Sb2Sn3S10 (A=K, Rb, Cs).•Wide band gap semiconductors with one-dimensional structure.•Topotactic partial exchange of K+ ions of K2Sb2Sn3S10 with Sr2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions.

Three new isostructural quaternary antimony(III) thiostannates(IV), A2Sb2Sn3S10 (A=K, Rb, Cs) have been synthesized by using alkali metal thiosulfate flux and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. Their structures contain A+ ions around the [Sb2Sn3S10]2− chains, which are built from SbS3 pyramids, SnS6 octahedra and SnS4 tetrahedra. Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopic measurements corroborate the oxidation states and coordination environments of Sb(III) and Sn(IV). All three compounds are wide band gap semiconductors. Potassium compound undergoes partial exchange with strontium, cadmium and lead ions.

Graphical abstractSyntheses, crystal structure, spectroscopic and partial ion-exchange studies of new one-dimensional alkali metal antimony(III) thiostannates(IV), A2Sb2Sn3S10 (A=K, Rb, Cs) are described.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide