Controllable synthesis, optical and photocatalytic properties of CuS nanomaterials with hierarchical structures

The controlled synthesis of CuS nanomaterials with hierarchical structures has been realized by chemical synthesis between copper nitrate trihydrate and thiourea via a solvothermal route. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the products. It was shown that CuS nanomaterials with hierarchical structures were composed of numerous nanoplates or nanorods. Experiments demonstrated that the morphologies of CuS nanomaterials were significantly influenced by reaction temperature, growth time and sulfur sources. A growth model was proposed for the selective formation of CuS hierarchical structures. The optical properties of the CuS hierarchical structures were investigated by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The ultraviolet–visible spectrum had a broad absorption in the visible range and the photoluminescence spectrum showed a strong green emission. Photocatalytic performance of the CuS hierarchical structures was evaluated by measuring the decomposition rate of methylene blue solution under natural light. The CuS hierarchical structures showed good photocatalytic activity.