Synthesis of CuS nanocrystal in cationic gemini surfactant W/O microemulsion

In the water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion stabilized by the cationic gemini surfactant alkanediyl-α, ω (dimethydodecyl-ammonium bromide) (12–3-12, 2Br−1), CuS nanorod, tube-like, and star sheet-like structures are successfully prepared. The effect of the concentration ratio of S2− to Cu2+, molar ratio (ω0) of water to surfactant in solution, incubation time, and absolute reactant concentration on the morphology and size of CuS nanocrystal have been investigated. The properties of the products and their morphologies are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), UV–vis absorption spectrum and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The growth mechanics of the nanocrystal with different morphology is also supposed.