Fabrication of micrometer-scaled hierarchical tubular structures of CuS assembled by nanoflake-built microspheres using an in situ formed Cu(I) complex as a self-sacrificed template

Micrometer-scaled hierarchical tubular structures of CuS assembled by nanoflake-built microspheres were first synthesized in high yield via a one-pot intermediate crystal templating process without surfactant or added templates, in which the intermediate complex Cu-3(TAA)(3)Cl-3 formed in situ and subsequently served as a self-sacrificed template. Whereas the intermediate complex and final hierarchical structures were well characterized, the formation mechanism was preliminarily studied based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations by arresting the growth at a series of intermediate stages in the formation of the hierarchical tubular structures. The benefits for the as-obtained nanostructures arise from their ultrahigh Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) value and the potential capacity advantage for the catalyst industry and hydrogen storage.