CuS nanoflakes, microspheres, microflowers, and nanowires: synthesis and lithium storage properties

CuS nanostructured materials, including nanoflakes, microspheres composed of nanoflakes, microflowers, and nanowires have been selectively synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method using CuSO4 and thiourea as precursors under different conditions. The morphology of CuS particles were affected by the following synthetic parameters: temperature, time, surfactant, pH value, solvent, and concentration of the two precursors. The synthesized CuS nanomaterials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller N2 adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electrochemical tests, including constant current charge-discharge and cyclic voltammetry, show the specific capacities of the different morphologies, as well as their rate capability. The nanowire electrode has near theoretical specific capacity and the best rate capability.