Core-shell nanorods of SnS-C and SnSe-C: synthesis and characterization

The straightforward, efficient, solventless, RAPET (reactions under autogenic pressure at elevated temperature) approach was explored for the fabrication of core-shell nanomaterials. Carbon-encapsulated SnS and SnSe nanorods were synthesized by a one-step thermal decomposition of tetramethyltin in the presence of either S or Se powder in a closed reactor at 700 degrees C for 40 min, under their autogenic pressure in an inert atmosphere. The powder X-ray diffraction measurements provided structural evidence for the formation of pure orthorhombic phases of SnS or SnSe particles. The Raman spectroscopy measurements ensured that the nature of the coated carbon was semigraphitic. The scanning electron micrographs verified the 1D morphology of the formed SnS and SnSe chalcogenides, and their stoichiometry was confirmed by EDAX measurements. The HR-TEM micrographs distinguished between core and shell morphologies. The nitrogen gas adsorption on the surface of core-shell nanostructures was determined by BET surface area analysis. The plausible mechanism for the creation of chalcogenide cores (SnS or SnSe) with a carbon shell was elucidated.