Shape selective solvothermal synthesis of copper sulphides: role of ethylenediamine–water solvent system

A series of stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric copper sulphides have been successfully synthesized via the solvothermal route using ethylenediamine–water as the solvent system at 130 °C. The products were identified from X-ray powder diffraction patterns. Scanning electron microscope images showed different morphological patterns, such as six-petal dendritic flowers with or without center button, rods and microspheres. The solvent (ethylenediamine/ethylenediamine–water/water) played an important role to determine the morphology and stoichiometry of copper sulphide.