Ex-Situ Study on the Evolution of Cubic Cu_1.8S Nanowires and Nanobelts with Two-Dimensional Multivariant Superlattices by Cation Exchange

Abstract

We explore a facile and unique approach to produce low-dimensional Cu1.8S nanostructures of nanowires and nanobelts with variable microstructure by cation exchange (CE) reactions, including different crystal structures, multivariant superlattices, and porous morphology. Prior to deriving Cu1.8S nanostructures by CE reactions with Cu at an optimum temperature of 300 °C, one-dimensional (1D) ZnS nanostructures are synthesized as templates via the vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) method. Extensive characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) is employed to investigate the formation mechanism of the Cu1.8S nanostructures. The experimental strategy and the proposed underlying mechanism allow for essential insights into the microscopic pathways of CE. Our approach provides a unique facile method for designing compound nanomaterials with unique microstructural features for futuristic nanodevice applications.