Size-controlled synthesis of Cu_2-xE (E = S, Se) nanocrystals with strong tunable near-infrared localized surface plasmon resonance and high conductivity in thin films

A facile method for preparing highly self-doped Cu_2-xE (E = S, Se) nanocrystals (NCs) with controlled size in the range of 2.8-13.5 nm and 7.2-16.5 nm, for Cu_2-xS and Cu_2-xSe, respectively, is demonstrated. Strong near-infrared localized surface plasmon resonance absorption is observed in the NCs, indicating that the as-prepared particles are heavily p-doped. The NIR plasmonic absorption is tuned by varying the amount of oleic acid used in synthesis. This effect is attributed to a reduction in the number of free carriers through surface interaction of the deprotonated carboxyl functional group of oleic acid with the NCs. This approach provides a new pathway to control both the size and the cationic deficiency of Cu _2-xSe and Cu_2-xS NCs. The high electrical conductivity exhibited by these NPs in metal-semiconductor-metal thin film devices shows promise for applications in printable field-effect transistors and microelectronic devices. Preparation of self-doped Cu_2-xE (E = S, Se) nanocrystals (NCs) with controlled size is demonstrated. Strong near-infrared (NIR) localized surface plasmon resonance absorption demonstrates that the particles are heavily doped. The NIR localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is tuned by simple changes in the synthesis conditions. This approach provides a new pathway to control both the size and the cationic deficiency of Cu _2-xSe and Cu_2-xS NCs.