Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of flower-like Cu3BiS3 nanorods

Flower-like Cu3BiS3 nanorods were successfully synthesized via a facile biomolecule-assisted solvothermal method at 200 °C for 16 h, employing CuCl2·2H2O, Bi(NO)3·5H2O and l-cystine as reactants. The morphology, structure, and composition of the obtained products were confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). Results indicated that the flower-like Cu3BiS3 nanostructure consists of many nanorods with an average diameter about 150 nm. Moreover, the optical properties of flower-like Cu3BiS3 nanorods were investigated by Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The PL spectrum showed that a strong UV emission peak located at around 356 nm and a weak and shoulder emission situated at 379 nm. Raman spectrum exhibited four distinct vibrational peaks at about 116, 153, 355 and 459 cm− 1.

► Flower-like Cu3BiS3 nanorods were synthesized by a facile l-cystine assisted route.
► The as-prepared Cu3BiS3 products were investigated by XRD, XPS, FESEM and TEM.
► The optical properties were investigated by Raman and PL spectrum.