Synthesis of dodecanethiolate-protected Cu2S nanoparticles in a two-phase system

Dodecanethiolate-protected Cu2S nanoparticles were synthesized in a two-phase system, and characterized by IR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger Electron Spectra, and transmission electron microscopy. The particle size can be controlled by the molar ratio of dodecanethiol to Cu(OH)x(x−2). An increase of the ratio gives a shift of the particles size from 80-120 nm to 10-20 nm. Dodecanethiol was found to play three important roles in the experiment: acting as transferring, protecting and reducing reagent. Tetra-n-octyl-ammonium bromide (TOAB) serves as a catalyst initiating the reaction between dodecanethiol and Cu(OH)x(x−2).