Synthesis, characterization and magnetic property of 3D flower-like nickel sulphide nanocrystals through decomposing bis(thiourea) nickel(II) chloride crystals.

Three-dimensional (3D) flower-like cubic NiS nanoplates with single crystalline nature were successfully prepared through decomposing bis(thiourea) nickel(II) chloride crystals (BTNC). The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, selected area electron diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Results show that the as-prepared products are pure cubic NiS and stable in range of 180-220°C with single crystal nature providing high surface areas, and higher reaction temperature leads to lower surface areas. Typical Raman peaks of the as-synthesized 3D flower-like cubic NiS at 200°C are located at 239, 286, 337, 379, 423, 478 and 630 cm. Magnetization measurement indicates that single crystalline NiS nanoplates prepared at 200°C displays antiferromagnetic behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]