The size controlled synthesis and self-assembled of monodisperse Cu2S nanocrystals

Cu2S nanocrystals (size from 4 nm to 17 nm) were synthesized by the reaction of cupric diacetylacetonate (Cu(acac)2) and dodecanethiol (DDT) in 1-octadecene (ODE). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) were used to confirm the morphology and crystal structure of as-obtained Cu2S nanocrystals. When DDT was set at lower concentration, the average diameter of as-synthesized Cu2S nanocrystals was increased as the increasing amount of DDT, while it was decreased when the amount of DDT was set at a relatively higher concentration. Furthermore, the obtained Cu2S nanocrystals could easily assemble into two-dimensional and three-dimensional superlattice structures.

► High quality Cu2S NCs were synthesized by a simple one-pot reaction.
► The obtained Cu2S NCs were monodisperse and size-controllable.
► The obtained Cu2S NCs could easily self-assemble into 2D and 3D superstructures.