Morphology and phase control of hierarchical copper sulfide superstructures as efficient catalyst.

Morphology and phase have significant role in the performance of catalysts. Herein, we fabricated various novel and highly hierarchical flower-like copper sulfide superstructures of CuS and Cu 1.8 S phase through self-assembly of nanoplates or nanosheets via solvothermal reaction by adjusting the ratio of precursors and the type of solvent (i.e. 2-propanol, methanol, and mixed 2-propanol: water). Subsequently, the growth mechanism of superstructures was systematically investigated. These results demonstrate that the copper sulfide superstructures display surface area, morphology, and phase-dependent catalytic activity for decolorization of organic dye in an aqueous medium. Additionally, the rose like CuS structures showed the highest rate constant and reusability property. Thus they could be useful for environmental pollution cleanup as an efficient catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]