Synthesis, characterization and electrocatalytic activity of copper sulfide nanocrystals with different morphologies

Abstract

Copper sulfide nanocrystals (CuS NCs) with different morphologies were synthesized via solvothermal method using copper acetate and sulfur chloride as precursors. Hereinto, CuS NCs with geometrical symmetry was prepared in 95% ethanol. The crystal structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron diffraction (SAED), UV–vis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The typical nanostructure was constructed of eight intersectant nanoflakes with half hexagon shape. The influences of solvent, sulfur sources, water/ethanol volume ratio and reaction temperature on the morphology of products were investigated. Moreover, the possible formation process about geometrical symmetry-like CuS nanocrystals was proposed based on the time-dependent experiments. The electrode modified by CuS NCs of different morphologies showed excellent electrocatalytic activities to Methyl Orange (MO). The good analytical performance makes CuS NCs/chitosan/GC modified electrode (CuS NCs/CS/GCE) as promising electrochemical sensor for Methyl Orange.