In this work, beta-SnS2 crystals were grown on glass substrates by the spray pyrolysis technique using tin chloride and thiourea precursors. Ex-situ characterizations of the crystals by means of scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope and X-ray diffraction measurements have revealed a homogeneous and relatively smooth surface. The X-ray diffraction analysis of 910 nm thick beta-SnS2 layers grown at substrate temperature T-s=280 degrees C revealed an obvious crystallographic orientation in the hexagonal phase with a strong (001) diffraction line. Microprobe analyses as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy show the presence of undesirable phase of SnO2. On the other hand, the photothermal properties have been studied, the thermal diffusivity was D-c=16.2 x 10(-6) m(2) s(-1). (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.