Synthesis and exfoliation of alkyl-pyridinium/Bi2212 nanohybrids

Abstract

Nanohybrids of superconducting Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+d (Bi2212) with alkyl-pyridinium salts were synthesized by a stepwise intercalation method. HgBr2 was intercalated into Bi2212 crystal to prepare a precursor before intercalation of alkyl-pyridinium ions. Alkyl-pyridinium (Py-CnH2n+1, where Py = pyridine and n = 4, 12 and 16) was adopted as guest intercalants. Nanohybrids were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. It is found that the gallery height of Bi2212 host is expanded from 3.07 nm to 8.69 nm (Δc = 5.61 nm) in Py-C16H33/Bi2212. We were successful in preparing transparent colloid of Py-C16H33/Bi2212 nanohybrid in organic solvent. This colloid is found to be stable for 6 days. Ultrathin films assembled by the layer-by-layer technique from Bi2212 colloids with a cationic polymer were fabricated.