Pure phase synthesis of Cu₃PS₄ and Cu₆PS₅Cl for semiconductor applications

We have achieved the first reported pure phase synthesis of two new nanoparticle materials, Cu₃PS₄ and Cu₆PS₅Cl. We have achieved this through learning about the potential reaction pathways that CuCl₂, P₂S₅, and 1-dodecanethiol can take. This study has shown that the key variable to control is the state of the phosphorus source when the CuCl₂ is added. If P₂S₅ is added together with the CuCl₂ to dodecanethiol then the reaction will follow a path to Cu₃PS₄, but if it is dissolved in dodecanethiol prior to the addition to CuCl₂ then the reaction will produce Cu₆PS₅Cl. The formation of these two different phases can occur simultaneously, yet we have found sets of conditions that manipulate the reaction system to form each phase exclusively. These nanoparticles could have broad semiconductor or solid electrolyte applications.