Silicate as a Versatile Matrix for the Aqueous Synthesis of Metal Sulfide Nanoparticles

Abstract

AbstractThe addition of metals to the oligomeric sodium metasilicate in water results in insoluble metal silicate complexes that form nanoparticles, in which further chemical reactions can be carried out. Copper sulfide, copper tin sulfide, tin sulfide, bismuth sulfide and zinc sulfide doped with manganese nanoparticles were synthesized using this method. The silicate matrix resulted in a narrow particle size distribution and imparted long‐term stability to the nanoparticle suspensions. The reactions were monitored via UV‐Vis‐NIR spectroscopy, and the nanoparticles were characterized by AFM, powder X‐ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The described method is expected to become a general and versatile approach for aqueous synthesis of multimetallic, doped chalcogenide and other complex nanoparticles without the need of complicated chemical precursors, stabilizing agents, and multiple steps.