Micro-Raman Spectroscopy of Nanostructured Silver Sulfide

Nanostructured silver sulfide powder with an average particle size of about 45 nm, an acanthite α-Ag2S monoclinic structure (space group P21/c), and nonstoichiometric composition Ag1.93S has been synthesized by the chemical deposition method. The silver sulfide nanopowder has been studied by Raman spectroscopy. According to the Raman scattering data, heating the nanopowder with high-power laser radiation in air leads to photoinduced decomposition of the Ag1.93S nanopowder to give silver metal. The Raman spectrum of the silver sulfide nanopowder shows a series of bands in the low-frequency range from 90 to 260 cm–1 associated with vibrations of silver atoms, Ag–S bonds, and symmetric Ag–S–Ag longitudinal modes. Raman spectroscopy confirmed an acanthite monoclinic structure of synthesized silver sulfide nanopowder.