Template-free synthesis of CuSCN and Cu2S crystallites with a facile hydrothermal method at different temperatures

Orthorhombic CuSCN dendrites and cubic Cu2S spheres have been selectively synthesized via a template-free hydrothermal route, using CuCl2 and 1-butyl-3-methlyimidazole thiocyanate ([BMIM]SCN) as raw materials at different temperatures. The products are characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy (UV–vis). The band gap is estimated to be 2.00 eV based on the results of optical measurements of the porous spheres of Cu2S nanostructures.