Design of 2D-nanocrystals in water: preparation, structure and functionalization

Abstract

A new method for synthesis of 2D nanocrystals in water was proposed. The use of perfluorothiophenolate ions as surfactant allowed us to produce 2D single-crystal nanosheets of CaS at pH=9 and flat nanocrystals of PbS at pH=9 at room temperature. Mesocrystalline nanobelts of CdS and mesocrystals of PbS were obtained at pH=3–5 and pH=10–12, respectively. Morphology, structure and chemical composition of nanoparticles were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A mechanism of nanoparticles formation was discussed.