Phase transitions in CuS–Ag₂S nanoparticle system

Abstract

(Ag₂)_xCu_1−xS, x = .2, .4, .6 and .8 nanoparticles were synthesized by the solvothermal method. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction to study the crystal structure and size. The surface morphologies of the above samples were studied using scanning electron microscope. As there is continuous shift in the lower wavelength absorption edge of the UV–VIS spectrum of these samples with concentration, (Ag₂)_xCu_1−xS nanoparticles can be tuned to different band gap energies by varying the composition. The D.C. electrical resistance was measured in the temperature range 310–485 K. As Ag₂S transforms from monoclinic to bcc at around 450 K, copper sulfide nanoparticles also shows a phase transition at around 470 K, the effects of these two transitions are seen in the resistance measurements and in the UV–VIS spectra of the entire system. The electrical resistance of (Ag₂)_xCu_1−xS nanoparticles rapidly reduces as more and more copper sulfide is added.

Keywords:

• nanoparticles
• solvothermal method
• structural
• band gap energy

Acknowledgements

Authors are thankful to School of Physics, University of Hyderabad for providing the necessary facilities for structural characterization.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.