title: Consecutive Reaction to Construct Hierarchical Nanocrystalline CuS "Branch" with Tunable Catalysis Properties.
abstract: New CuS nanocrystals with a 3D hierarchical branched structure are successfully synthesized through in situ consecutive reaction method with copper foam as template. The formation mechanism of the 3D hierarchical branched structure obtained from the secondary reaction is investigated by adjusting the reaction time. The morphology of CuS nanosheet arrays with the 3D hierarchical branched structure is changed through Cu(2+) exchange. In this method, the copper foam reacted completely, and the as-synthesized CuS@Cu9S5 nanocrystals are firmly grown on the surface of the 3D framework. This tunable morphology significantly influence the physical and chemical properties, particularly catalytic performance, of the materials. The as-obtained material of Cu@CuS-2 with the 3D hierarchical branched structure as catalyst for methylene blue degradation exhibits good catalytic performance than that of the material of Cu@CuS with 2D nanosheets in dark environment. Furthermore, the cation exchange between Cu and Cu(2+) indicates that Cu(2+) in wastewater could be absorbed by Cu@CuS-2 with the 3D hierarchical branched structure. The exchanged resultant of CuS@Cu9S5 retains its capability to degrade organic dyes. This in situ consecutive reaction method may have a significant impact on controlling the crystal growth direction of inorganic material.
authors.affiliation: Center for Advanced Materials Research, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Xiangdan
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Feifei
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Center for Advanced Materials Research, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Shizhong
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.affiliation: Center for Advanced Materials Research, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Wutao
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.affiliation: College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Weihua
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Center for Advanced Materials Research, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Liwei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mi