Shape-Controlled Template-Driven Growth of Large CuS Hexagonal Nanoplates

Ultrathin 2D metal sulfide nanostructures have revealed extraordinary properties, applications and thus, the subject matter of current research. However, synthesis of shape-controlled large sized (approximately few µms) plates/sheets are not well known, specifically due to the colloidal synthesis process resulting in distribution of shape/size. Here, we report the template-assisted growth of large-sized CuS nanoplates (~ 0.59 µm) by simple wet chemistry, where the Au microplates serve as template. The Au microplates act as seed and facilitate the AuCu via epitaxial growth of Cu. Later, the AuCu acts as the source of Cu and in presence of aqueous S2-, the CuS hexagons form, however, the edge of the hexagons are parallel to the Au seed and thus hinting to be controlled by the seed. Interestingly, the substrate independent AuCu can even provide the platform for the spiral nanoplates, by simply decorating the outer surface of the Cu with pillar like features.