Synthesis and characterization of Cu3N nanoparticles using pyrrole-2-carbaldpropyliminato Cu(ii) complex and Cu(NO3)2 as single-source precursors: the search for an ideal precursor

Abstract

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of Cu₃N nanocrystals using two single-source precursors, bis(pyrrole-2-carbalpropyliminato) Cu(II) (PPC) and Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O. The optical and structural properties were investigated and the suitability of the two precursors was studied in terms of producing good quality Cu₃N nanocrystals without the detection of Cu or oxidation to CuO. Both precursors resulted in crystalline Cu₃N with an anti-ReO₃ cubic structure with no presence of copper impurities, however, peaks due to excess capping agent were detected by XRD and confirmed with XPS. The PPC complex resulted in spherical nanocrystals whilst the copper nitrate resulted in nanocubes. The band gaps were in the visible region with the copper nitrate nanocrystals slightly red shifted from the PPC derived particles due to larger crystal sizes. The emission spectra were blue-shifted from the absorption band edges hence indicating an up-conversion process.