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.