Abstract
New CuS nanocrystals with a 3D hierarchical branched structure are successfully synthesized through in situ consecutive reaction method with copper foam as template. The formation mechanism of the 3D hierarchical branched structure obtained from the secondary reaction is investigated by adjusting the reaction time. The morphology of CuS nanosheet arrays with the 3D hierarchical branched structure is changed through Cu2+ exchange. In this method, the copper foam reacted completely, and the as-synthesized CuS@Cu9S5 nanocrystals are firmly grown on the surface of the 3D framework. This tunable morphology significantly influence the physical and chemical properties, particularly catalytic performance, of the materials. The as-obtained material of Cu@CuS-2 with the 3D hierarchical branched structure as catalyst for methylene blue degradation exhibits good catalytic performance than that of the material of Cu@CuS with 2D nanosheets in dark environment. Furthermore, the cation exchange between Cu and Cu2+ indicates that Cu2+ in wastewater could be absorbed by Cu@CuS-2 with the 3D hierarchical branched structure. The exchanged resultant of CuS@Cu9S5 retains its capability to degrade organic dyes. This in situ consecutive reaction method may have a significant impact on controlling the crystal growth direction of inorganic material.
Highlights
Numerous studies mainly focused on preparation of inorganic materials with 3D hierarchical structures[9,10,11,12,13,14,15]
We report a in situ consecutive reaction method with copper foam as template to effectively control the crystal growth direction of CuS
This in situ consecutive reaction method has never been reported, such method presents the following advantages: (1) provides a facile, controllable method to synthesize 3D hierarchical structure, (2) creates an excellent morphology for each reaction, (3) features tunable crystal structures to maximize the properties of the each material and achieve their complementary advantages, (4) copper template participated in each reaction and reacts completely in the final reaction, thereby decreasing the amount of raw materials used
Summary
Hierarchical Nanocrystalline CuS “Branch” with Tunable Catalysis received: 26 May 2016 accepted: 04 July 2016 Published: 28 July 2016. The as-synthesized resultant of the secondary reaction was used as a template to fabricate a series of products with different morphologies through Cu2+ exchange This in situ consecutive reaction method has never been reported, such method presents the following advantages: (1) provides a facile, controllable method to synthesize 3D hierarchical structure, (2) creates an excellent morphology for each reaction, (3) features tunable crystal structures to maximize the properties of the each material and achieve their complementary advantages, (4) copper template participated in each reaction and reacts completely in the final reaction, thereby decreasing the amount of raw materials used. The mixed solution of MB@RB was degraded by the Cu@CuS or CuS@Cu9S5 catalysts in the same manner
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
