Synthesis and Applications of Colloidal Nanomaterials of Main Group- and Transition- Metal Phosphides

Molecular precursor approach to develop catalytically relevant nanosized metals, palladium chalcogenides and ternary/quaternary metal chalcogenides

“…Among them, the single source molecular precursor method (SSMP) also referred to as the molecular precursor or metal-organic precursor route has distinct advantages over other methods. 26,27 SSMPs contain pre-formed M-E (M = metal and E = S, Se or Te) bonds which provide molecular level mixing due to metal and chalcogen proximity leading to better control over composition at low crystallization temperatures. Furthermore, the presence of pre-formed bonds helps in realizing materials with fewer defects for the fabrication of quality devices.…”

“…Therefore, suitable selection of precursors is one of the important criteria. 26 At times, solubility of the precursors diminishes with ageing due to oligomerization making it difficult to purify them. Another important aspect is the stability, toxicity and pyrophoric nature of the precursors which can be overcome by suitable design of the precursor backbone and by using less toxic and moderately volatile reagents.…”