Low-Temperature Synthesis of CuS Nanopowders Using a Simple Glycolate Method

CuS is an excellent material for solar cell applications. In this study, the CuS nanopowders were successfully synthesized using a simple and convenient glycolate method at relatively low temperature using copper acetate and thiourea as raw materials and ethylene glycol as solvent. The products were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Spherical CuS nanopowders with a hexagonal structure were obtained after synthesis at 50-150 degrees C for 1 h, and the average crystallite size ranged from 5 to 30 nm. The reaction temperature played an important role in controlling the size, morphology, and crystallinity of the CuS nanopowders.