SnSe

tin selenide · tin(II) selenide

Tin selenide is a stable semiconducting compound widely researched for its potential in high-efficiency thermoelectric energy conversion.

SeSn
Crystal structure of SnSe
Ground-state structure · Materials Project
Overview

About tin selenide

Tin selenide is a binary chalcogenide that exists as a thermodynamically stable phase. Its semiconducting nature and unique crystal structure have made it a subject of intense research for its ability to convert waste heat into electricity with high efficiency. The material is highly regarded for its low thermal conductivity, which is a critical trait for high-performance thermoelectric applications. Researchers continue to explore its structural versatility, as evidenced by the numerous reported configurations found in materials databases. This extensive data richness underscores its importance in the development of advanced electronic and optoelectronic devices.

At a glance

Key Properties

Cross-validated computational properties for tin selenide, aggregated across 4 databases.

Band Gap

0.12–0.86 eV
Range across DFT structures

Energy Above Hull

0.000 eV/atom
Best (lowest) across sources

Stability

On hull (stable)
2 DFT sources

Structures

118
4 databases, 18 space groups
Synthesis

Synthesis Routes

Literature-extracted synthesis procedures targeting SnSe.

Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Solid State
Procedure available · ceder_solid_state
Solid State
Procedure available · ceder_solid_state
Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Sol Gel
Procedure available · ceder_sol_gel
Solid State
Procedure available · ceder_solid_state
Uses

Applications

Where tin selenide is used.

thermoelectric generatorsphotovoltaic cellsoptoelectronic devicesinfrared sensors
Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about tin selenide, answered from cross-validated data.

What is SnSe?

Tin selenide is a stable semiconducting compound widely researched for its potential in high-efficiency thermoelectric energy conversion.

More questions
What is SnSe used for?
tin selenide (SnSe) is used in thermoelectric generators, photovoltaic cells, optoelectronic devices, and infrared sensors.
What is the band gap of SnSe?
tin selenide (SnSe) has a DFT-computed band gap of 0.12–0.86 eV across 118 reported structures.
Is SnSe a metal, semiconductor, or insulator?
With a band gap up to 0.86 eV it is a semiconductor.
Is SnSe thermodynamically stable?
Yes — tin selenide (SnSe) sits on the convex hull (energy above hull 0 eV/atom), i.e. on hull (stable).
How many polymorphs of SnSe are known?
118 structures of SnSe are reported across 4 databases, spanning 18 distinct space groups.
How is SnSe synthesized?
Literature-reported routes for SnSe include sol gel, solid state (10 procedures documented).
What elements does SnSe contain?
tin selenide (SnSe) contains Se and Sn (2 elements).
Where does the data for SnSe come from?
SnSe data is cross-referenced from latticegraph.
Comparison

How It Compares

As a prominent member of the metal chalcogenide family, tin selenide occupies a unique position due to its remarkable ability to maintain stability while exhibiting complex electronic and thermal behaviors that are highly sought after for solid-state energy conversion technologies.

Data sources & attribution
  • latticegraph — Lattice Graph Materials Intelligence Platform

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