Mechanochemical synthesis of Sb2S3 and Bi2S3 nanoparticles

The mechanochemical synthesis of Sb2S3 and Bi2S3 nanoparticles has been studied, starting from the corresponding metals and sulfur and using high-energy mechanochemical processing in a planetary laboratory mill. XRD, specific surface area measurement, SEM and TEM (HRTEM) with ED were used for the characterization of the nanoparticles. The XRD patterns confirmed the production of Sb2S3 (JCPDS 42–1393, orthorhombic) and Bi2S3 (JCPDS 17–320, orthorhombic) nanopowders. The transformation is about three times faster in the Bi–S than in the Sb–S system. The kinetics of the reaction has been determined from XRD line intensities. The grain size is about 30 nm for Sb2S3 and 24 nm for Bi2S3. The particles are highly agglomerated due to their nanometer size consequent large specific surface area. Unlike more conventional methods, mechanochemical synthesis is a simple and fast alternative for the preparation of these nanopowders that can be carried out at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure.

► Sb2S3 and Bi2S3 synthesis by mechanochemical means.
► Grain size 30 nm for Sb2S3 and 24 nm for Bi2S3.
► Possibility to synthesize nanomaterials in chemical engineering science by means of mechanochemistry.