Synthesis and characterization of copper sulfide nanocrystal with three-dimensional flower-shape

New copper sulfide nanocrystals with threedimensional (3D) flower-shape were synthesized by using copper acetate (Cu(ac)2) and citric acid (cit) and thiourea (Tu) as precursors at 160 C in an anhydrous ethanol by a solvothermal route. The structure and properties of as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope and scanning electron microscope. The optical properties of copper sulfide nanocrystals were examined by UV–vis and FTIR. The crystal growth mechanism was also proposed.