Synthesis and characterization of ultralong copper sulfide nanowires and their electrical properties

We report the synthesis of ultralong copper sulfide nanowires (Cu(2-x)SNWs) through the sulphidation reaction of metallic copper nanowires (CuNWs) by thiourea under mild conditions. The multiscale characterization of Cu(2-x)SNWs revealed the presence of a core shell structure made up of an external covellite layer coating a roxbyite core. The Cu(2-x)SNWs, exhibiting lengths as high as 200 mu m, can be easily dispersed in ethanol and deposited onto arbitrary substrates such as glass or plastic. The resulting films are readily conducting without the need for post-treatments and exhibit a sheet resistance of 4.1 k omega sq(-1) at 73.7% transmittance (at 550 nm), by virtue of the high aspect ratio of the Cu(2-x)SNWs. The multiscale electrical characterization down to the single Cu(2-x)SNWs revealed a low resistivity of 6.9 x 10(-6) omega m and perfect Ohmic conductivity. Interestingly, the conductivity of Cu2-xSNW films supported on polyethylene naphthalate sheets remained almost unaltered (4% decrease) after 10 000 bending cycles. In addition, Cu(2-x)SNWs have shown excellent chemical stability towards a strong oxidant like FeCl3 as well as in an acidic environment. Finally, Cu(2-x)SNWs have been employed as active materials in symmetric supercapacitors revealing good pseudocapacitive behaviour, with specific capacity as high as 324 F g(-1) (at 5 mV s(-1)) and 70% retention of the initial capacitance after 5000 cycles (at 100 mV s(-1)).

Automated summary

Ultralong copper sulfide nanowires were successfully synthesized via sulphidation reaction of metallic copper nanowires, exhibiting a core shell structure and high aspect ratio. The resulting films showed excellent electrical conductivity, stability towards oxidants and acidic environments, as well as resilience to bending. Additionally, Cu(2-x)SNWs performed well as active materials in symmetric supercapacitors, with good pseudocapacitive behavior and high specific capacity.