Nanomaterials @ Interfaces Research Group

Tin monosulfide (SnS) has attracted growing attention due to its environmentally benign constituents and natural abundance. Of particular interest is the metastable cubic phase π-SnS, first identified in 2015, which exhibits promising optoelectronic properties, including high hole mobility, a strong absorption coefficient exceeding 10⁴ cm⁻¹, and a tunable bandgap in the range of 1.5–1.8 eV. Various solution-based and gas-phase synthesis techniques have been employed to fabricate π-SnS thin films and nanocrystals. These synthesis methods and their parameters critically influence the resulting microstructure and electronic characteristics of π-SnS. This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the synthesis strategies for π-SnS, pointing out to their impact on phase stability, material properties, and highlighting potential applications.