Pyridine-based low-temperature synthesis of CoN, Ni3N and Cu3N nanoparticles

Abstract

CoN, Ni₃N and Cu₃N nanoparticles were obtained by pyridine-based synthesis using CoI₂, NiI₂, and CuI as the starting materials as well as NH₃/KNH₂ as the base and nitride source. Colloidally stable suspensions of crystalline, small-sized CoN (4.5 ± 0.7 nm), Ni₃N (2.7 ± 0.4 nm), and Cu₃N (4.2 ± 0.7 nm) were instantaneously available from refluxing pyridine. This approach strictly avoids all oxygen sources (including starting materials and solvents), which is highly relevant with regard to the material purity and properties.