Mild synthesis of monodisperse tin nanocrystals and tin chalcogenide hollow nanostructures

We report a mild synthetic method to access Sn nanocrystals with tunable diameter and narrow size distribution (6-8%). The self-templated formation of various types of Sn chalcogenide hollow nanostructures including oxides, sulfides, selenides, and tellurides is also demonstrated for the first time. The use of air-stable tungsten hexacarbonyl that produces carbon monoxide at elevated temperature to reduce the SnCl₂ precursor and coordinate the nanoparticle surface is thought to play an essential role in this method. This synthesis method is likely to be extended to other metal systems and could find potential applications including battery anodes and catalysts.