Synthesis, characterization and magnetic property of 3D flower-like nickel sulphide nanocrystals through decomposing bis(thiourea) nickel(II) chloride crystals

Three-dimensional (3D) flower-like cubic Ni3S4 nanoplates with single crystalline nature were successfully prepared through decomposing bis(thiourea) nickel(II) chloride crystals (BTNC). The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, selected area electron diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Results show that the as-prepared products are pure cubic Ni3S4 and stable in range of 180–220°C with single crystal nature providing high surface areas, and higher reaction temperature leads to lower surface areas. Typical Raman peaks of the as-synthesized 3D flower-like cubic Ni3S4 at 200°C are located at 239, 286, 337, 379, 423, 478 and 630 cm−1. Magnetization measurement indicates that single crystalline Ni3S4 nanoplates prepared at 200°C displays antiferromagnetic behaviour.