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 °C. The products were characterized by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning 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 nanocrystallites and the electron-transfer reaction. In addition, spherical CuInS₂ micrometer particles were obtained at 350 °C.