Shape and size controlled synthesis and properties of colloidal IV–VI SnSe nanocrystals

Abstract

Colloidal IV–VI SnSe nanocrystals with small and uniform size distribution were synthesized by a facile and phosphine-free method. Simple Sn6O4(OH)4 was introduced as a tin precursor to synthesize the SnSe nanocrystals. By changing the reaction temperature and Sn/Se molar ratio, SnSe nanocrystals with different shapes and sizes were achieved. The influence of reaction temperature and Sn/Se molar ratio to the shape and size of SnSe nanocrystals has been discussed detail. Similar to other IV–VI tin chalcogenides, SnSe shows potential as energy storage material. The performance of SnSe nanocrystals as an anode material for lithium ion batteries has been investigated. A mechanism for SnSe as anode material has been proposed based on its performance. The influence of the shape and size of the SnSe nanocrystals on the performance of lithium ion batteries has been discussed in detail.