  We report the colloidal synthesis of 2D SnTe nanosheets through precursor
hot-injection in a nonpolar solvent. During the reaction, an important
intermediate - Sn-template - is formed which defines the confined growth of
SnTe. This "flake-like" structure gives the first evidence for the possible 2D
morphology formation prior to the anion precursor injection (TOP-Te).
Additionally, we explore the role of each ligand in the reaction process. Thus,
we explain the formation and morphology evolution of 2D SnTe nanostructures
from a mechanism perspective as well as the role of each ligand on the
molecular scale. The interplay of ligands provides the necessary conditions for
the realization of stable low-dimensional SnTe nanomaterials with tunable size
and shape.
