Ordered arrays of shape tunable CuInS(2) nanostructures, from nanotubes to nano test tubes and nanowires

Well-aligned arrays of chalcopyrite CuInS(2) one dimensional nanostructures have been prepared in a controllable manner via a convenient wet-chemical approach using anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) as a hard template. Highly oriented CuInS(2) nanotubes, nano test tubes and nanowires arrays can be selectively grown by simply varying reaction conditions. Oleylamine (OLA) was found to play a key role in the synthesis and morphology control of the CuInS(2) product. The structure, morphology, composition and optical absorption properties of the as-prepared samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The formation mechanism of the CuInS(2) arrays is discussed.