Use of the N,N-dialkyl-N’-benzoyl(thio)selenoureas as single source precursors for the synthesis of semiconducting quantum dots
Date
2008-12
Authors
Bruce, Jocelyn Catherine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
The successful preparation and structural characterization of a number of N,N-dialkyl-N’-benzoyl(thio)selenourea
ligands is described; where the intermolecular interactions are characterized by the presence of Resonance Assisted
Hydrogen Bonding (RAHB), π- π interactions between neighbouring benzene residues only being evident amongst
the longer alkyl chain derivatives. The first structural characterization of an asymmetrically substituted N,N-dialkyl-
N’-benzoylselenourea ligand reveals an increased stability of the Z isomer in the solid state, this being reflected by
the sulfur analogue. Attempts to synthesise N,N-dicyclohexyl-N’-benzoylselenourea led to the isolation and
structural characterization of a novel 1,3,5-oxaselenazine salt and dicyclohexylaminobenzoate. The first structural
characterization of a “bipodal” N,N-dialkyl-N’-benzoylselenourea ligand, 3,3,3’,3’-tetrabutyl-1,1’-
isophthaloylbis(selenourea), reveals RAHB in the crystal lattice similar to that exhibited by the “monopodal”
analogue, N,N-dibutyl-N’-benzoylselenourea.
The successful complexation of the N,N-dialkyl-N’-benzoyl(thio)selenourea ligands to a number of different
transition metal ions is reported allowing the preparation of several potential single source precursors. Coordination
through the O and Se/S donor atoms to Pd(II) results in the formation of square planar metal complexes, with a cis
conformation, several of which could be structurally characterized. In particular, the first structural elucidation of an
asymmetrically substituted N,N-dialkyl-N’-benzoylselenourea metal complex, cis-bis(N-benzyl-N-methyl-N’-
benzoylselenoureato)palladium(II) indicates the increased stability of the EZ isomer in the solid state. Structural
elucidation of the novel (N,N-diphenyl-N’-benzoylselenoureato)cadmium(II) reveals a bimetallic complex in the
solid state, where the expected 2:1 ligand : metal ratio is maintained, and the two Cd(II) centres are 5 and 6
coordinated, with O and Se donor atoms. Multinuclear Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy has been
employed in the thorough characterisation of the potential single source precursors, 77Se NMR spectroscopy
indicating a decreased shielding of the 77Se nucleus as the “hardness” of the central metal ion increases i.e. Pd(II) >
Zn(II) > Cd(II). Use of 113Cd NMR spectroscopy indicates the preferential binding of N,N-diethyl-N’-
benzoylselenourea to Cd(II) over that of its sulfur analogue, and initial studies suggest a form of chelate metathesis
taking place in solution. 31P NMR spectroscopy is used to gain insight into the formation of cis-bis(N,N-diethyl-N’-
benzoylselenoureato)Pt(II).
Thermolysis of (N,N-diethyl-N’-benzoylselenoureato)cadmium(II) and its sulfur analogue led to the successful
synthesis of CdSe and CdS quantum dots respectively, where thermolysis over a range of temperatures allows a
degree of size control over the resulting nanoparticles. The effect of precursor alkyl chain length on nanoparticle
morphology was investigated for both the N,N-dialkyl-N’-benzoylthio- and –selenoureas. A correlation between the
two for the (N,N-dialkyl-N’-benzoylselenoureato)Cd(II) complexes is described and possible growth mechanisms
are discussed. Preliminary investigations into the use of other N,N-dialkyl-N’-benzoyl(thio)selenourea metal
complexes as single source precursors reveal that both (N,N-diethyl-N’-benzoylselenoureato)Zn(II) and its sulfur
analogue show potential as single source precursors for the formation of ZnO and ZnS nanoparticles respectively.
Initial studies into the use of N,N-dialkyl-N’-benzoyl(thio)selenourea metal complexes as single source precursors
for the synthesis of core-shell nanoparticles is briefly described.
The Aerosol Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (AACVD) of several N,N-dialkyl-N’-benzoyl(thio)selenourea
metal complexes is reported, where both (N,N-diethyl-N’-benzoylselenoureato)Cd(II) and its sulfur analogue allow
the deposition of crystalline CdSe and CdS respectively. The AACVD of (N,N-diethyl-N’-
benzoylselenoureato)Zn(II) leads to the deposition of crystalline ZnSe, ZnS being deposited by (N,N-diethyl-N’-benzoylthioureato)Zn(II). The deposition of heazelwoodite (Ni3S2) with varying morphologies results from the
AACVD of cis-bis(N,N-diethyl-N’-benzoylthioureato)Ni(II). Thermal annealing of the amorphous material
deposited by the AACVD of cis-bis(N,N-diethyl-N’-benzoylthioureato)Pd(II), allows the formation of highly
crystalline palladium. The deposition of metallic platinum using cis-bis(N,N-diethyl-N’-benzoylthioureato)Pt(II) is
described as well as the deposition of crystalline Pd17Se15 from cis-bis(N,N-diethyl-N’-benzoylselenoureato)Pd(II).
This, to the best of our knowledge, is the first time that AACVD has been performed, using the N,N-dialkyl-N’-
benzoyl(thio)selenourea metal complexes as single source precursors, in addition, we believe it to be the first time
that palladium selenide has been deposited using the AACVD technique.
Description
Thesis (PhD (Chemistry and Polymer Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
Keywords
Nanoparticles, N,N-dialkyl-N'-aryl(thio)selenoureas, Single source precursors, Chemical vapour deposition, Dissertations -- Chemistry, Theses -- Chemistry