A simple approach to the synthesis of Cu_1.8S dendrites with thiamine hydrochloride as a sulfur source and structure-directing agent

A facile, green and environmental-friendly method for preparing Cu_1.8S dendrites was developed. Copper nitrate and thiamine hydrochloride were selected as the starting materials in the water phase under hydrothermal conditions. No addition of a surfactant or a complex reagent was required for the synthesis of the Cu_1.8S dendrite structures. Thiamine hydrochloride was employed as a sulfur source and structure-directing agent. The growth mechanism of Cu_1.8S is tentatively discussed based on the experimental and computational results.