Single-step preparation of mono-dispersed sulfur nanoparticles for detention of copper

Abstract

Application of sulfur nanoparticles results from biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity of the shell that covers sulfur nanoparticles. However, to prepare uniform sulfur nanoparticles still remains a challenge; particularly in aqueous medium when the size of sulfur nanoparticles is not more than 20 nm. In the current work, the detailed investigation of the preparation of sulfur nanoparticles with the diameter in the range from 5 to 20 nm and formation of stable mini-emulsion is presented. The method of dynamic light scattering was applied to study particle nucleation and growth mechanisms. It is shown that the nature and concentration of co-stabilizer (DMF, PVP) play a significant role in particle nucleation. This mechanism includes micellar nucleation and homogeneous nucleation. Size and shape of the synthesized sulfur nanoparticles are characterized by transmission electron microscopy method. The size and structure of the sulfur nanoparticles are studied by small-angle X-ray scattering. Electrochemical performance is analyzed by applying cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It was shown that synthesized S nanoparticles with a diameter of 10 nm with a developed interfacial surface effectively bind copper ions; each 1 mg of sulfur nanoparticles could hold 0.6 mg of copper, such adsorption capacity is 200 times higher than in the data published so far. The results highlight application of sulfur nanoparticles as a promising anticancer agent due to its ability to detent of copper.