Synthesis and characterization of KCu3S2 microstructures through a composite-hydroxide mediated method

KCu3S2 microslabs and microbelts have been synthesized using a composite-hydroxide mediated (CHM) approach without the presence of an organic surfactant. X-ray powder diffraction results indicate that the belts possess a monoclinic KCu3S2 crystalline structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to obtain detailed characterization of the microstructure and nanostructure of this material. Measurements of the UV–vis absorption spectrum have been performed, and the results reveal that this material is semiconducting with a bandgap of 1.459 eV.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ One of the ternary K–Cu–S compounds, KCu3S2 microbelts and nanobelts were synthesized by using a composite-hydroxide mediated (CHM) approach with the absence of any organic surfactants. ▶ X-ray powder diffraction results indicate that the belts possess a monoclinic KCu3S2 crystalline structure. ▶ Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to obtain detailed characterization of the microstructure and nanostructure of this material. ▶ A growth mechanism of KCu3S2 microbelts was proposed. ▶ Measurements of the UV–vis absorption spectrum have been performed, and the results reveal that this material is semiconducting with a bandgap of 1.459 eV.