Simple synthesis of one-dimensional copper chalcogenides and its reducing and self-sacrificing templates for Au nanowires

High quantity of submicrocrystallites of cuprous sulfide CuxS (x = 1.86–1.96) with tubular structures and Cu3Se2 nanowires have been synthesized under mild conditions. Using the as-prepared CuxS submicrotube as reducing and self-sacrificing templates, the ordered Au nanowires have been successfully obtained. The products were characterized by various techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscope (SEM), transmission electronic microscope (TEM), selected area electronic diffraction (SAED), and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The proposed growth mechanism has also been discussed.