Large-scale synthesis and catalysis properties of micro-structured snowflake Cu2S from a single source Cu(II) coordination complex

In this study, novel self-supported micropatterns of micro-structured snowflake copper sulfide (Cu2S) were successfully synthesized by a simple reaction of thiourea and Cu(II) coordination complex. The Cu(II) coordination complex was produced through the self-assembly of copper nitrate, amino acid chloride, sodium carbonate, and 4,4'-bipyridine at room temperature. The product was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The as-prepared Cu2S microstructures decolorized high-concentration aqueous methylene blue (MB) with the assistance of H2O2. The decomposing rate of the (100 mL) 100 mg/L MB reached 98.77% within 100 min. This study provides an additional option for preparing self-assembled nanostructures for application in environmental pollution control. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.