title: Large-area aligned branched Cu(2)S nanostructure arrays: room-temperature synthesis and growth mechanism.
abstract: In this work, an effective approach to synthesize large-area Cu(2)S hierarchical nanotree arrays is presented: Cu nanowire arrays synthesized via template-assisted electrodeposition are used as precursors for the self-growth of branched Cu(2)S nanotree arrays by a gas-solid reaction in H(2)S atmosphere at room temperature. The branched Cu(2)S nanotrees with a high aspect ratio are vertically aligned over the Au film surface, forming a nanoscale 'forest'. Electron microscopy studies reveal that the treelike branched nanostructures are composed of an end-capped tubular Cu(2)S trunk and radially organized Cu(2)S nanorod branches over the trunk. A formation mechanism of the hollow trunk and the nanobranches is proposed on the basis of experimental observations.
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, The Center for Nanotechnology Research, School of Physics and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou 510275, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Canxiong
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Qibai
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Lishi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wen
authors.forename: Shan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ren