Hexagonal Cu_(2)SnS_(3) with metallic character: Another category of conducting sulfides

摘要

A hexagonal Cu_(2)SnS_(3) with uniform and well-dispersed nanoparticle morphology has beensynthesized, 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_(2)SnS_(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)_(2)SnS_(3) (M(velence)Ag, Au, Rb, and Cs) serial compounds are another potential family of conducting sulfides. The conducting Cu_(2)SnS_(3) product with the interlayer space and tunnels in the crystal structures could be fascinatingly introduced to the lithium battery application.