Syntheses, structures, and photocatalytic properties of open-framework Ag–Sn–S compounds.

Four open-framework Ag–Sn–S compounds K2Ag2Sn2S6 (1); K2Ag2SnS4 (2); Rb2Ag2SnS4 (3); and Cs2Ag2SnS4 (4) have been synthesized using a solvothermal method. Compound 1 possesses a unique three-dimensional (3D) structure in which Ag+ ions are two-coordinated. Compounds 2–4 have the same layered structure in which Ag+ ions are tetrahedrally coordinated. Photocatalytic degradation properties of methylene blue have been investigated and compound 1 displays excellent photodegradation activities. The photoelectric response properties, optical properties, and theoretical calculations of these compounds have also been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]