Self-assembly of CuS nanoparticles to solid, hollow, spherical and tubular structures in a simple aqueous-phase reaction

We report fabrication of CuS particles with solid, hollow, spherical and tubular structures in a simple aqueous system under microwave irradiation, employing CuSO4 and Na2S2O3 as the starting materials without assistance of any surfactant or template. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and an X-ray powder diffraction pattern proved that the product is hexagonal CuS phase. The morphologies of the product were observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Some factors affecting the morphologies of the product are discussed.