divergent reactivity of selenoethers with metal reagents: formation of molecular complexes vs. metal selenide nanoparticles
Résumé
The reactions between group 11 and 13 metal salts and different selenoethers in a variety of solvents were investigated in relation with their use as precursors for the selenium-containing nanomaterials. Different reaction conditions led to different reactivities and afforded either molecular complexes or metal selenide nanoparticles. The factors governing the divergent reactivity and the structures of the precursors will be discussed. The reactions leading to in situ formation of the metal selenide nanoparticles were then extended in the presence of commercial TiO2 to prepare metal selenide-titania nanocomposites with different metal ratios. The details of the synthesis and characterization of these nanocomposites and their possible application as photocatalysts will be presented.