Enhanced zeta potential of polyol method synthesized PVP-capped Sb 2 S 3 nanoparticles

Abstract

Analysis of Rietveld refinement of XRD data confirms single phase orthorhombic crystal structure of pure and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)-capped Sb 2 S 3 nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized successfully at 190 °C by facile polyol method. Raman modes further confirms their stoichiometric formation. Ratio of Sb to S was found to be a little deviated from 2:3 corresponding to Sb 2 S 3 due to volatile nature of S. A striking effect on the surface charge of Sb 2 S 3 NPs with and without PVP as surfactant was found in zeta potential (ξ) data collected using deionized water (DIW) for pH values in the range of 3 to 10.5. This reveals that anearly constant ξ of -51.64 mV is found in pH = 6.5 to 8.5 for the PVP-capped Sb 2 S 3 NPs indicating their high stability in DIW compared to that of unstable nature (ξ = -23.45 mV or less) for pure Sb 2 S 3 NPs. The isoelectronic point is found at pH = 4.2 for PVP-capped Sb 2 S 3 , not for pure sample. This information is likely to be useful for many applications like in cosmetics, for waste water treatment, ceramics, pharmaceuticals and in medicine.