Preparation of Nanosized Copper and Cadmium Chalcogenides by Mechanochemical Synthesis

Abstract

Nanosized copper and cadmium chalcogenides have been synthesized by mechanochemical route from elementary precursors, using a SPEX 8000M ball mill. Most reactions were carried out in air, while some of the reactions had to be performed under nitrogen to avoid oxidation. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (powder XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Following products were obtained and characterized: CuS, CuSe₂, Cu₇Te₅, CdS, CdSe, and CdTe, with particle sizes within 8 and 19 nm.

Keywords:

• Cadmium
• Chalcogenides
• Copper
• Diffraction
• Mechanochemistry
• Microscopy
• Nanoparticle
• Semiconductors

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors thank Marjetka Varlec for the experimental work, done during her master study. The use of equipment in the Center of Excellence NAMASTE is gratefully acknowledged.