Influence of growth conditions on hair-like CuS nanowires fabricated by electro-deposition and sulfurization

CuS nanowires were fabricated on an anodized aluminum oxide by electrodeposition and sulfurization. Cu nanowires were first synthesized and then sulfurized to form CuS nanowires. To evaluate the growth conditions including the pH value of the deposition solution, the amount of sulfur powder, and sulfurization temperature, multiple material analysis techniques were conducted. X-ray diffraction was used to characterize the crystalline structure of the nanowire and scanning electron microscopy was used to reveal the morphology of the nanowire. Furthermore, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence were used to detect the composition of nanowires. Results indicate that an appropriate pH value in the deposition solution, a sufficient amount of sulfur powder and an appropriate sulfurization temperature during surfurization could enhance the growth of the hair-like CuS nanowires with better crystallization and fewer impurities. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.