Syntheses and characterization of one-dimensional alkali metal antimony(III) thiostannates(IV), A2Sb2Sn3S10 (A=K, Rb, Cs)

Abstract

Three new isostructural quaternary antimony(III) thiostannates(IV), A2Sb2Sn3S10 (A=K, Rb, Cs) have been synthesized by using alkali metal thiosulfate flux and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. Their structures contain A+ ions around the [Sb2Sn3S10]2− chains, which are built from SbS3 pyramids, SnS6 octahedra and SnS4 tetrahedra. Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopic measurements corroborate the oxidation states and coordination environments of Sb(III) and Sn(IV). All three compounds are wide band gap semiconductors. Potassium compound undergoes partial exchange with strontium, cadmium and lead ions.