Single-Source Precursor Route for the Synthesis of EuS Nanocrystals

A single-source precursor synthetic route for the preparation of colloidal EuS nanocrystals is reported. By varying the decomposition conditions of the lanthanide complex, cube-, sphere-, or polygon-shaped nanocrystals with good colloidal stability are prepared. Size control is not achieved. It is demonstrated that chelating ligands incorporated into the precursor, for example, 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2‘-bipyridine, are integrated, together with the stabilizing ligands trioctylphosphine and oleylamine, onto the nanocrystal surface.