Hexagonal Cu_2SnS_3 with metallic character: Another category of conducting sulfides

摘要

A hexagonal Cu_2SnS_3 with uniform and well-dispersed nanoparticle morphology has been synthesized, representing an example of hexagonal system in the Cu-Sn-E (S, Se) ternary chalcogenides. Both theoretical calculation and experimental results give the unique metallic character of Cu_2SnS_3, which is significantly different from the traditional opinion that I-IV-VI ternary chalcogenides were regarded previously as small or middle band-gap semiconductors. Also, M(I)_2SnS_3 (M=Ag, Au, Rb, and Cs) serial compounds are another potential family of conducting sulfides. The conducting Cu_2SnS_3 product with the interlayer space and tunnels in the crystal structures could be fascinatingly introduced to the lithium battery application.