Synthesis of uniform Cu2S nanowires from copper-thiolate polymer precursors by a solventless thermolytic method

Uniform hexagonal Cu2S nanowires with 2-6 nm diameters, 0.1 to several mum in length, were made by precipitation and thermolysis at 155 degrees C for 120 min from a Cu-thiolate colloid with a viscosity of 93.5 mPa/s. The morphologies of the final nanoproducts are governable through control of the coordination chemistry of Cu ions and thiols and the association of the Cu/S fragments. The evolution of nanowires, with the polymerization and heating temperature, and the parameters affecting the viscosity of the colloid precursor are reported.