Nickel ethylene tetrathiolate polymers as nanoparticles: a new synthesis for future applications?

Coordination polymers (CP) based on the ethylene tetrathiolate ligand (C2S4)(4-) and Ni2+ and previously isolated as insoluble conductive powders are grown as nanoparticles (NP) using ionic liquid (IL) as stabilizing agent. The time of addition of the IL determines the morphology, and consequently the properties of the CP. The smaller (10-20 nm) and soluble NP are obtained when IL is present at the complexation step. The mechanism of growth of NP is studied. The NP size is sensitive to the amount of IL and to the reaction temperature. NPs are studied by TEM/EDX, DLS, liquid- and solid-state NMR, and conductivity.