Ag2S morphology controllable via simple template-free solution route

Different morphologies of Ag2S nano- and micro-materials, including spokewise micrometer bars, microfibers, nanowires, worm-like nanoparticles and nanopolyhedrons have been obtained controllably by a facile one-step method at room temperature. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were employed to characterize the structure and compositions of those nanomaterials. Furthermore, ultraviolet visible (UV–vis) spectra of Ag2S with different morphologies show different spectral features. In this route, no any organic template materials were added into the reaction container. The concentrations of ammonia, Ag+, S2− and their ratios in the solution may play an important role on the morphologies and sizes of the products.