Aqueous ammonia route to Cu1.8S with triangular and rod-like shapes

Digenite crystalline Cu1.8S was synthesized through solvothermal reaction of CuCl2·2H2O and sulfur powder at low temperature in aqueous ammonia. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) pattern indicates Cu1.8S is cubic phase. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) shows Cu1.8S obtained at 160 °C is triangular and Cu1.8S formed at 140 °C is rod-like. X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) was used to determine the composition of as prepared products. The influence of solvent and reaction temperature was investigated. Raman spectrum of Cu1.8S was recorded.