Controllable Synthesis of Covellite Nanoparticles via Thermal Decomposition Method

In this study, covellite (CuS) nanoparticles were synthesized through a facile and low temperature thermal decomposition method using Cu(sal)₂]- oleylamine complex, (sal = salicylaldehydeato, prepared in situ from Cu(sal)₂] and oleylamine as the precursors), and sulfur as the Cu²⁺ source and S source, respectively. Scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, electron diffraction and ultraviolet–visible absorption (UV–Vis) spectra were used for the characterization of the products. The effect of reaction parameters, such as the copper:sulfur molar ratio, the reaction temperature and the reaction time on the shape, size and phase of CuS nanostructures, was investigated. The results showed that the, covellite (hexagonal structure of CuS) with an average size between 20 and 45 nm could be obtained with the Cu:S molar ratio of 1: 3 at 105 °C for 60 min. With increasing the reaction temperature from 105 to 200 °C, non-stoichiometric Cu_1.65S with the average size of 25–50 nm was obtained due to the different existing state of the released Cu²⁺ ions from the copper-oleylamine complex.