Growth and characterization of semiconducting nickel sulfide nanocrystals from air-stable single-source metal organic precursors

Three symmetrical and unsymmetrical nickel(II) complexes [cis-(C3H7)2NC(S)NC(O)C6H3(3,5-NO2)2]2Ni(II), [cis-(C4H9)2NC(S)NC(O)C6H3(3,5-NO2)2]2Ni(II), and [cis-(Hex)(Me)2NC(S)NC(O) C6H3(3,5-NO2)2]2Ni(II) were synthesized and characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. These metal complexes have been used as single-source precursors for the preparation of semiconducting nickel sulfide nanocrystals. Rapid injection of metal complexes into oleylamine at 230°C, followed by immediate cooling, led to the formation of irregular-shaped 20–170-nm nickel sulfide nanocrystals. The deposited nickel sulfide nanocrystals were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy