Facile-chelating amine-assisted synthesis of β-In2S3 nanostructures from a new single-source precursor derived from S-methyl dithiocarbazate

Abstract

Flake-built 3D β-In2S3 nanostructures were synthesized by thermolysis of S-methyl dithiocarbazate–indium(III) complex precursor in hexamethylenediamine (HMDA). XRD patterns showed that the cubic phase of 3D β-In2S3 remained unchanged but the crystallinity was increased after annealing at 400 °C for 20 min. The products were also characterized by SEM, TEM, and EDS. Based on the experimental results, we propose that the growth of 3D nanostructures is controlled by the stability of the intermediate chelate complex made by indium(III) and solvent. The optical properties of the 3D β-In2S3 nanostructures were also investigated by UV–Vis and PL spectroscopy, which indicated strong quantum confinement effect.