Design of 2D-nanocrystals in water: preparation, structure and functionalization

A new method for synthesis of 2D nanocrystals in water was proposed. The use of perfluoro-thiophenolate ions as surfactant allowed us to produce 2D single-crystal nanosheets of CaS at pH = 9 and flat nanocrystals of PbS at pH = 9 at room temperature. Mesocrystalline nanobelts of CdS and mesocrystals of PbS were obtained at pH = 3-5 and pH = 10-12, respectively. Morphology, structure and chemical composition of nanoparticles were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A mechanism of nanoparticles formation was discussed.