Synthesis, characterization and optical properties determination of millerite NiS nanorods

In the present study millerite nickel sulfide long nanorods have been synthesized adopting a novel, low cost and easy route. Aqueous solution of Ni(II) chelate complex; Na2[Ni(HL)2(H2O)2], synthesized by reacting Ni(II) ions with NaH2L (Eriochrome black T), was decomposed by S2− ions, formed by heating alkaline solution of thiourea at 90 °C. The effect of a cationic surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) on size and morphology evolution of nanostructures has been investigated. Long nanorods thus formed have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for phase, crystallinity, size and morphology determination. The optical property was determined by UV–vis spectrum. A plausible growth mechanism for shape and size evolution of nanostructures has also been discussed in this article.