Growth of CuS platelet single crystals by the high-temperature solution growth technique

Abstract

Millimeter size CuS single crystals with a dark indigo blue color and a plate hexagonal shape have been successfully grown by the high-temperature solution growth technique using the KCl–LiCl eutectic as solvent. Surface microtopographic studies of the crystals indicated that the growth is made by the lateral spreading of the layers. Electrical resistivity measurements clearly show an anomaly at T∼55 K, related with the low-temperature structural transition, a high residual resistivity ratio of ∼400 and a sharp superconducting transition at T≈1.7 K confirming the very good quality of the crystals.