A template synthesis method can be used to prepare NiPS3 nanocomposites with polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyethylenimine (PEI), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Nanocomposites of NiPS3/PEI, NiPS3/PVA and NiPS3/PVP have not been previously reported. The resulting materials are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Reaction progress was monitored using UV-visible spectroscopy. Template synthesized NiPS3/PEO nanocomposites show only polymer zig-zag monolayers, in contrast to the bilayers obtained using the topotactic method, and can generate denser interlayers than those obtained by topotactic methods. The crystallite sizes increase for more dilute conditions, a more polar solvent, and longer aging time. P2S64− and Ni2+ concentrations govern nanocomposite nucleation and growth, respectively.
