1. Could you explain the significance of your article to the non-specialist? 

No single-source precursor for the generation of lanthanum sulfide thin films has been previously reported, to the best of our knowledge. This paper demonstrates that La₂S₃ thin films can be prepared on a number of substrates by means of a simple and convenient MOCVD route using a single precursor [La(bipy)(S₂CNEt₂)₃]. This new route may open new avenues to the creation of nanostructures of these lanthanide sulfides.

2. What has motivated you to conduct this work? 

This is in search of new materials for the future. Rare earth chalcogenides have potential applications in electronic, optical, superconducting devices, cold cathode configurations, current controlled devices, switching devices, photoconducting cells and thermoelectric components.

3. Where do you see this work developing in the future? 

The triangular facets of Ln₂S₃ observed in the thin films appear to indicate that synthesis of triangular nanocrystals of Ln₂S₃ is not far reaching. This work will provide a new avenue to synthesize nanocrystals of lanthanum sulfides, in general, and investigate their physical properties.

4. Are there any particular challenges facing future research in this area?

The main challenge is in synthesizing nanocrystals of monodispersed lanthanum sulfides in different shapes and sizes, in large quantity.