Chemical Synthesis of Sulphur Nanoparticles and Their Characterization
G. Priyadharshan
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Tamilnadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
R. Rajeswari *
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Tamilnadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
S. Maragatham
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Tamilnadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
S. K. Rajkishore
Department of Environmental Science, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
C. Sharmila Rahale
Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
D. Pradeep
Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study focuses on the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of sulphur nanoparticles (S-NPs) using a precipitation method. The synthesis involved sodium thiosulphate and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide surfactants in a concentrated hydrochloric acid medium. The resulting S-NPs were thoroughly characterized using various advanced techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles, revealing distinctive diffraction patterns. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provided high-resolution images that elucidated the size and morphological aspects of the S-NPs, which exhibited a uniform size distribution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further supported the morphological information, showcasing the surface features of the nanoparticles. Additionally, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis enabled the identification of functional groups and surface chemistry changes associated with the S-NPs. The comprehensive utilization of XRD, TEM, SEM, and FT-IR analysis provides a detailed understanding of the structural, morphological, and chemical attributes of the synthesized sulphur nanoparticles, paving the way for their potential applications in various fields.
Keywords: Sulphur Nanoparticles (nano-S), TEM, SEM, XRD, FT-IR, CHNS analyzer