Synthesis and characterization of HgI2 nanoparticles for films nucleation

With the aim of controlling the first steps in HgI2 film growth onto amorphous substrates, we employed HgI2 nanoparticles for nucleation. Hg(NO3)2 and NaI were used for obtaining HgI2 in water with and without citric or oxalic acid as capping agents. These samples were then subjected to a hydrothermal treatment at a constant temperature of 120 ºC during 2 h. All samples were washed, centrifuged and dried. This method presents a facile route for obtaining HgI2 nanoparticles and is easily scalable. HgI2 tetragonal phase was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. Nanoparticles were characterized in their size and morphology by transmission electron microscopy and the capping agent presence was studied by infrared spectroscopy. HgI2 nanoparticles synthesized in octadecene, previously reported, as well as nanoparticles obtained in the present work, were used for nucleation onto amorphous substrates. They were deposited onto floating silica glass by spin coating and the morphology of the layer was studied by atomic force microscopy. The results we obtained are the first involving HgI2 nucleation by spin coating, and are very promising for improving the film growth orientation and therefore the current applications of this material, as well as for opening new ones.