Moderate-temperature solution-processed synthesis of incommensurate Sr8/7TiS3 thin films and rod-shaped nanocrystals

The chalcogenide perovskite family has been steadily gaining increasing attention from the research community due to its optoelectronic properties and potential for diverse applications. While BaZrS₃ and BaTiS₃ have been the most extensively studied, other promising compounds in this family, such as Sr_xTiS₃ (1.05 < x < 1.22), are now being explored for various optical, optoelectronic, and energy storage applications. However, challenges remain in achieving the low-temperature synthesis of Sr_xTiS₃. In this study, we report, for the first time, the synthesis of Sr_xTiS₃ nanocrystals at temperatures below 400 °C. The synthesized nanocrystals exhibit a rod-like morphology. Additionally, we have developed solution-processing routes to synthesize phase-pure Sr_xTiS₃ thin films, marking the first reported instance of such films, at temperatures below 600 °C. We also demonstrate the solid-state synthesis of Sr_xTiS₃ powder below 600 °C. Our work paves the way for new and exciting application avenues for Sr_xTiS₃.