From Metal Thiobenzoates to Metal Sulfide Nanocrystals: An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation.

A simple preparation of metal sulfide nanoparticles via the decomposition of thiobenzoate precursors at room temperature is presented and discussed. Long chain alkylamines were found to mediate the breakdown of metal thiobenzoates, such as those containing Ag, Cu, In and Cd, to produce uniform Ag₂S, CuS, In₂S₃ and CdS nanoparticles respectively. The long chain amines are assumed to play dual roles as the nucleophilic reagent and the capping agent.