LAUSR

Abstract In this paper, we present the results of an investigation of the compositional and structural features of nanocrystalline tin sulfide (SnS) decorated with SnO2, which was synthesized in a high-energy ball-milled (HEBM) process. Tin and sulfur powders were used as starting reagents. The materials were turned into nanopowders after the heating (followed by HEBM) that was carried out in nitrogen in the temperature range of 500–800 °C. The surface morphology, structure, and composition of samples were characterized by the following methods: X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The well-defined XPS peaks at 495.1eV and 486.7eV corresponded to Sn 3d5/2 and 3d3/2 states confirm the formation of SnO2 nanoislands flakes on SnS surface of orthorhombic structure. Scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging techniques were used to study the presence of SnO2 on tin sulfide surface.