Synthesis, crystal structure, and characterization of cyclohexylammonium tetraisothiocyanatocobaltate(II): A single-source precursor for cobalt sulfide and oxide nanostructures

We successfully synthesized 3D supramolecular structure of cyclohexylammonium tetraisothiocyanatocobaltate(II) complex, (C6H11NH3)2[Co(NCS)4], in almost a quantitative yield by using metathesis and ligand addition reactions. The new complex was characterized by various techniques such as FTIR, UV-Visible, PXRD, SXRD, and CV electrochemical analysis to investigate mainly its structure. Based on the results of these techniques, the formation of the desired complex was confirmed. The TGA for this complex indicated the utilization of this complex as a single-source precursor for the synthesis of cobalt sulfide (CoS) under helium atmosphere and tricobalt tetraoxide (Co3O4) under air. Investigation of pyrolysis products by PXRD proved the formation of CoS and Co3O4. Furthermore, morphology studies by SEM and TEM displayed the formation of CoS and Co3O4 nanoparticles with various shapes