Cu2S/ZnS Heterostructured Nanorods: Cation Exchange vs. Solution-Liquid-Solid-like Growth

Cu2S/ZnS heterostructured nanorods (HNRs) with uncommon morphologies are achieved through single-pot and multi-batch synthetic strategies. In both cases, Cu2S NRs form first, which then undergo partial cation exchange and solution-liquid-solid (SLS)-like growth catalyzed by the remaining Cu2S parts of the NRs. The location and the volume of ZnS achieved through partial cation exchange control the size of the Cu2S catalysts, which in turn determine whether tapered rod-rod, body/tail, or barbell-like structure results from subsequent SLS-like growth. Concurrent cation exchange can sometimes cause Cu2S catalysts to be lost during SLS-like growth, leading to further diversity in achievable morphologies of Cu2S/ZnS HNRs. Additional insights are gained on how parameters such as Zn precursor, ligand choice, and concentration alter cation exchange and SLS-like growth steps.