Size-controlled aggregation of cube-shaped EuS nanocrystals with magneto-optic properties in solution phase

Size-controlled formation of colloidal aggregates composed of cube-shaped EuS nanocrystals, EuS NCs, in solution phase are reported and their optical and magneto-optical properties are studied. The average size of the colloidal particles of the EuS NCs-aggregates formed in 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, and 1-octanol were ca. 800, 500, and 100 nm, respectively. Self-organized cubic-type superlattice structure was evaluated in the colloidal aggregates by means of the small-angle X-ray diffraction measurements, which is similar to those in the macroscopic 3D superlattice structures. The distances between NCs in the EuS NCs-aggregates are dependent on alkyl chain length of the solvent alcohol. Magneto-optic properties of EuS NCs-aggregates and the monomeric EuS nanocrystals in liquid media are characterized with magnetic circular dichroism spectra. The active wavelength of EuS NCs-aggregates is considerably longer than that of the monomeric EuS nanocrystals.