Template-free one-step fabrication of porous CuInS2 hollow microspheres

Hollow CuInS 2 microspheres have been successfully prepared via a simple solution-based route without employing templates and surfactants. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images clearly show the hollow nature of the as-obtained products. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images reveal that the shells of as-prepared CuInS 2 microspheres were constructed by nanoparticles or nanoflakes. The specific surface area and pore-size distribution of the obtained product as determined by gas-sorption measurements show that the CuInS 2 hollow microspheres exhibit high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and porosity properties. TEM observations of intermediate products at different reaction stages indicate that these hollow CuInS 2 microspheres are formed mainly via Ostwald ripening.