Formation of CuS submicrotubes with quadrate cross section

CuS submicrotubes with quadrate cross section were synthesized by two simple steps: (i) preparation of copper–thiourea (Tu) complex; and (ii) subsequent reaction of the as-prepared complex with Na2S solution. Copper–Tu complex was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric (TG) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurements. CuS submicrotubes were found to be constructed by covellite CuS with a hexagonal phase. The possible mechanism for the formation of quadrate CuS submicrotubes was proposed. This simple method may be applied to synthesize other inorganic materials with hollow structure.