Star-shaped US patterns, which were composed of rod-like nanoparticles with
diameters of 4-7 nm and lengths ranging from 150 to 200 mu, were successfu
lly prepared by a convenient microemulsion technique at room temperature. I
t was found that the hydrophobic carbon chain of surfactant played an impor
tant role in controlling the morphology of the product. The present conveni
ent microemulsion method is relatively mild and low toxic. It may provide a
new route to the production of other metal sulfide patterns at room temper
ature. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.