Formation of CuI colloidal particles in aqueous solution

Morphology, structure, and optical properties of ultradisperse CuI particles synthesized in the presence of water-soluble polymers [poly(vinyl alcohol) and gelatin] are studied. It is shown that forming CuI particles are roundish with the sizes varying from 5 to 20 nm. The particles form the aggregates whose shapes and sizes are governed by the nature of stabilizing agent. It is established that, in the presence of gelatin, CuI nanoparticles of hexagonal and cubic modifications are formed, while in the presence of poly(vinyl alcohol), particles only of cubic modification. The studied CuI colloidal solutions are stable with respect to aggregation over long time; however, during their aging at room temperature, morphological and structural properties of CuI nanoparticles are changed.