A solvothermal crystallization route to the preparation of microsized hollow cones of quasi-2D antimony sulfide

Abstract

Starting from the polymeric structure of Sb 2S 3, we successfully prepared sub-micron-sized hollow cones of Sb 2S 3 in a yield close to 85% via a solvothermal crystallization route. The quasi-2D ribbon-like structure of Sb 2S 3 can direct the formation of thin crystal flakes, which can transform into hollow cones through a spiral rolling-up process favored by the high pressure generated in the solvothermal environment. Techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, SAED, EDAX, and HRTEM were used to characterize their morphology, structure, and composition. This crystallization route is also workable for the preparation of tubular Bi 2S 3, and we believe that it could be extended to the preparation of novel tubes of other materials with an analogous chain structure, such as selenium and tellurium.