Synthesis of SnSe2 nanorods and nanoplates by an organic solution-phase route

The IV-VI semiconductor nanomaterials have attracted much attention due to their narrow band-gap energies and most promising applications in optoelectronic devices. SnSe2 possesses a layered CdI2-type crystal structure and a narrow band gap energy of 0.97 eV, which makes it a potential candidate for photovoltaic applications. Two different nanomaterials that SnSe2 nanorods and nanoplates were synthesized simultaneously in liquid paraffin by an organic solution-phase route for the first time. The morphologies and growth mechanisms were studied in detail, and the results showed that the nanostructures grow along the (0001) crystal planes whether they are nanorods or nanoplates. A rational chemical reaction mechanism was first proposed to explain the synthesis of SnSe2. This letter is of importance for understanding the fundamental chemistry and physics for the SnSe2 nanomaterial.