Cation exchange reactions have emerged as a class of post-synthetic transformations that facilitate metal cation replacement in crystalline nanoparticles, most commonly metal chalcogenides. The reaction pathway taken in these transformations preserves key morphological and crystallographic features of the template nanocrystals. Additionally, cation exchange behavior can be qualitatively predicted using relatively simple concepts, including hard-soft acid-base interactions and the effect of crystallographic features on exchange direction within a crystalline matrix. As such, these reactions provide a predictable pathway to access metastable crystal structures and can be controlled to synthesize heterostructures of metal chalcogenides through incomplete, or partial, cation exchange. While partial cation exchange is a powerful approach that can be used to synthesize intricate and complex multicomponent nanoparticles, the experimental procedures must be controlled very carefully to avoid the formation of an unwanted product or even failure of the reaction to achieve the desired cation exchange process. Factors such as reaction time and temperature are obvious considerations, but the effects of oxygen and ligands in the reaction mixture can also impact the reaction outcome. We will highlight the role of several common factors that influence partial cation exchange reactions and present strategies for selecting appropriate reaction conditions to synthesize specific classes of heterostructured metal sulfides.

Experimental insights into nanocrystal cation exchange: Methods and strategies for synthesizing heterostructured metal sulfides

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.