Tin chalcogenides and nanocomposites

Abstract Tin chalcogenide has recently received tremendous attention owing to its unique structure and electrical properties. Because of a narrow bandgap, a larger electronegativity, and a larger surface-to-volume ratio, it has shown potential in a number of applications from health and safety to energy storage and conversion. Tin chalcogenides with different morphologies have been fabricated in the last years in order to improve the semiconducting performances. Intensive studies on the heterojunction researches with semiconducting materials have drastic effects on the physical and chemical properties of tin chalcogenides. In this chapter, a comprehensive overview of properties and synthesis methods of tin chalcogenides and nanocomposites is provided. After a brief introduction, the approaches explored in the literature to improve the properties and the applications of tin chalcogenides are presented in detail. Particular attention is paid on the approaches adopted to improve the gas sensing properties of tin chalcogenides and composite with the oxides.