Sandwich-like Cu(1.94)S-ZnS-Cu(1.94)S nanoheterostructure: structure, formation mechanism and localized surface...

In this communication, a thermolysis route is developed to synthesize novel Cu(1.94)S-ZnS-Cu(1.94)S nanoheterostructures with interesting sandwich-like architectures, taking Cu(1.94)S nanoplates as precursors. Evidently, the trimeric nanostructure is formed by a three-stage process, which includes the Zn-oleate induced assembling of Cu(1.94)S nanoplate couples, the heteronucleation and growth of a ZnS layer between two Cu(1.94)S plates dominated by interfacial diffusion, and the catalyst assisted axial growth of ZnS nanorod following the solution-liquid-solid mechanism. With epitaxial growth of ZnS nanocrystal between two Cu(1.94)S nanoplates, the localized surface plasmon resonance frequency of Cu(1.94)S shifts from 1875 to 1323 nm, indicating that this new material is potentially applicable as a light absorbing agent in laser photothermal therapy. The reported growth mechanism may provide new strategies for designing and fabricating various technologically important polymeric nanoheterostructures.