Template preparation of NiPS3polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

A template synthesis method can be used to prepare NiPS₃ nanocomposites with polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyethylenimine (PEI), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Nanocomposites of NiPS₃/PEI, NiPS₃/PVA and NiPS₃/PVP have not been previously reported. The resulting materials are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Reaction progress was monitored using UV-visible spectroscopy. Template synthesized NiPS₃/PEO nanocomposites show only polymer zig-zag monolayers, in contrast to the bilayers obtained using the topotactic method, and can generate denser interlayers than those obtained by topotactic methods. The crystallite sizes increase for more dilute conditions, a more polar solvent, and longer aging time. P₂S₆⁴⁻ and Ni²⁺ concentrations govern nanocomposite nucleation and growth, respectively.