Colloidal Synthesis of Two-Dimensional Ternary Chalcogenide Nanomaterials

• Sofía Robles-Alfonso, Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras

• Emil Hernández-Pagán, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have received considerable attention as promising candidates for quantum sciences research and technology. To date, much of the focus has been on transition metal dichalcogenides. However, 2D ternary chalcogenides are of interest because they provide access to a wider compositional landscape to modulate their properties. Among these systems, AB₂X₄-type ternary chalcogenides are compelling targets as these materials can display magnetic and/or optoelectronic behavior depending on the A-B constituents. Therefore, these materials are also relevant to broader functional applications, including catalysis, solar energy conversion, data storage, and detectors. This project focused on the development of a solution-phase synthesis method as an accessible route to AB₂X₄-type ternary chalcogenides. In particular, we interrogated the effect of the synthesis approach (hot-injection vs heat-up), reaction time and temperature, as well as different precursors and ligands.  The products were isolated by washing and centrifugation, and then characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) to identify the crystalline phases. Preliminary results suggest that access to Cd-based targets is hampered by a persistent binary phase sink, while for other compositions mixed or unknown phases could be obtained. This work provides insight into how precursor selection and reaction conditions influence ternary chalcogenide formation, supporting the development of accessible synthetic strategies for two-dimensional chalcogenide nanomaterials with potential impact in quantum technologies and other applications.