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.