Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of CuxS-NiySz/FNBR and CuS-NiySz/FNBR nanocomposites from β-NiS/FNBR by ion exchange method: (x=1; 1.8); (y=1; 3); (z=1; 4)

β-NiS nanoparticles (NPs) grown through SILAR technique into functionalized nitrile butadiene rubber (FNBR) were used for the synthesis of CuS-NiS/FNBR and Cu1.8S-Ni3S4/FNBR nanocomposites (NCs). The evaluated band gap decreased from 2.8 eV to 2.3 eV and 2.21 eV using 0.25 M of CuSO4 × 5H2O and 0.5 M of CuCl2 × 2H2O, respectively. The effect of copper precursors and concentration of Cu2+ ions on the particle size, chemical composition of NCs and properties has been discussed in detail. Different structural phases of nickel sulfide and copper sulfide were obtained using NiS/FNBR nanocomposites as a precursor for ion exchange reaction by Cu2+ ions. Properties of CuxS-NiySz/FNBR and CuS-NiySz/FNBR nanocomposites obtained after modification have been studied and compared with initial nanocomposite of NiS/FNBR. The average particle size increased from 8.5 nm to 13.5 nm and 15 nm after ion exchange modification. By EPR spectrum the superhyperfine splitting is seen in the spectrum of CuS-NiySz/FNBR, ACu = 107.3 G. In perpendicular section the bandwidth of the spectrum (ΔH) is equal to 930 G. Recording to SEM images very clearly imaged spherical nanoparticles have been observed.