Morphology and Composition-Controls of Cu_xS Nanocrystals Using Alkyl-Amine Ligands

Abstract

Nearly monodispersed-size Cu_xS nanocrystals(NCs) were obtained by sulfuration of Cu(II)-alkyl-amine complexes using dodecanethiol-solvated sulfur at 363 K. The morphology and chemical composition of Cu_xS NCs can be controlled by using appropriate alkyl-amine ligands. NCs of Cu-deficient sulfides, Cu_1.8S (digenite) or a Cu_1.8S-Cu₂S mixture, were obtained using octylamine or di-octylamine, while stoichiometric Cu₂S NCs using tri-octylamine and oleylamine ligands.