Shape-Controlled Synthesis and Assembly of Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles

Cu₂S nanocrystals and superlattices were synthesized by a simple solution-phase thermolysis of the copper dodecanethiolate polymer precursor. X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirmed the chalcocite crystal structure of the nanocrystals. Monodispersed Cu₂S nanodisks, spheres and hexagon nanoplates could be fabricated with this method. Further, copper sulfide nanoarrays assembled by nanoparticles of different shapes were obtained by adjusting the experimental conditions. The growth of the nanocrystals and their self-assembly structures were studied and believed to be associated with the lamellar structure of the copper thiolate precursor.