Role of Oleylamine Revisited: An Original Disproportionation Route to Monodispersed Cobalt and Nickel Nanocrystals

Herein is highlighted an original disproportionation mechanism for the formation of hexagonal closed packed cobalt nanoparticles starting from low-valent cobalt complexes. By coupling experimental and theoretical studies, we demonstrate that oleylamine promotes the disproportionation of the starting metal complexes and controls the growth of the nanocrystals, in contrast to the role of reducing reagents proposed elsewhere. We also decipher the sensitivity of the synthesis in regard to the nature of the phosphine and of the halogen ligands in the starting cobalt precursors. Understanding of the mechanism allows the development of a less expensive and less toxic synthesis of these nanoparticles by decreasing the amount of oleylamine in alkane solvents. Finally, an extension of this process is presented and allows reaching size- and shape-controlled nanosphere and nanorod nickel nanoparticles.