Size controlled synthesis of silver sulfide nanostructures by multi-solvent thermal decomposition method

Size and morphology controlled silver sulfide (Ag2S) nanoparticles were synthesized using single (oleylamine) and mixed (octadecene and dodecanethiol) solvents by thermal decomposition method. Structural and morphological properties of Ag2S nanostructures were analyzed by X-ray diffraction method and transmission electron microscope. Comparatively higher crystalline Ag2S nanoparticles were synthesized in single solvent than mixed solvent, however, larger size of the particles (>10nm) synthesized in single solvent became fluorescence inactive. The controlled size of 3–5nm in diameter was achieved irrespective of increasing temperature till 225°C by mixed solvent synthesis and the photoluminescence showed the emission in the second near infrared region (NIR II). •Oleylamine controls morphology and dispersivity but induces size over temperature.•Mixed solvent controls size, morphology and dispersivity over temperature change.•Sulfur rich environment enhances the monoclinic Ag2S synthesis.•Blue shift occurred in emission peak from 1265 to 1188nm under 500nm excitation.