Dynamic isomers engaged fabrication of copper sulfide rattle-type structures and their optoelectronic properties

We demonstrated a new strategy for the preparation of the cubic phase Cu(1.8)S rattle-type structure via a dynamic isomers engaged solution route. The isomerization of thiourea into ammonium thiocyanate under solvothermal condition results in the formation of Cu(1.8)S and CuSCN in initial products. The transformation of CuSCN into Cu(1.8)S causes detachment between the core and shell. Studies show that the homogeneity and size of the rattle-type structure can be controlled by varying the concentration of precursor and PVP. These novel Cu(1.8)S rattle-type structures exhibit photoconductivity and may have potential applications in semiconductor optoelectronic devices.