A facile solution route to CuS hexagonal nanoplatelets

We report a facile solution route for the synthesis of single-crystalline and hexagonal CuS nanoplatelets by thermolysing single-precursor copper ethylxanthate [Cu(exan)2] in hexadecylamine (HDA) at moderate temperature. The morphology and structure of CuS nanocrystals (NCs) are characterized by means of XRD, TEM, HRTEM, SAED and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. Key synthetic parameters, such as reaction temperature, reaction time and precursor concentration, which have a great influence on the size and shape of the products, have been comprehensively investigated. It was found out that the nanoplatelets are self-assembled into one-dimensional ordered string-like structure under appropriate conditions. The solvent used to disperse the nanocrystals can affect the self-assembly of the CuS nanoplatelets, and polar solvent favors the formation of long strings. The possible mechanisms of forming hexagonal nanoplatelets and self-assembled strings are discussed.