Distinct Cu2S micro–nano structure arrays: preparation and optical properties

Abstract

Distinct Cu2S micro–nano structure arrays (CMNS) with various morphologies were prepared by adjusting the gas mixture in the solid–gas reaction. The CMNS are composed of microsized ball arrays and nanosized wire/cone/rod/nail arrays. The results show that the nanosized arrays take on different morphologies as the O2 content in the reagent gas is increased. The morphology of the nanosized arrays changes from short rod-like structures to wire-like structures when the O2 content is increased from 0 to 44%, which is related to the reaction mechanism of the solid–gas reaction. The CMNS have excellent light absorption properties, with the average light absorption value of CMNS with nanosized wire arrays reaching 96%, which is better than that of Cu2S film (76%) and Cu2S nanowire arrays (92%), and the nanowire arrays have a diameter and length similar to the nanosized wire arrays of CMNS. The morphology and light absorption properties of CMNS can be adjusted by controlling the O2 content in the solid–gas reaction. All these results show that the CMNS have application advantages for photoelectronics and catalysis.