Preparation and characterization of CuInS2 nanorods and nanotubes from an elemental solvothermal reaction

A simple and convenient solvothermal reaction has been developed to produce CuInS2 nanorods and nanotubes from the elements in ethylenediamine at 280 degreesC. The products were characterized by x-ray diffraction, transmissio n electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, sc anning electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Analysis shows that the coordinating ability of ethylenediamine and the existence of liquid In may play important roles in the growth of one-dimension nanocrys tallites and the electron-transfer reaction. In addition, spherical CuInS2 micrometer particles were obtained at 350 degreesC.