The crystal structure and growth direction of Cu2S nanowire arrays fabricated on a copper surface

Abstract

We examine the crystal structure and growth direction of Cu₂S nanowire arrays grown from copper surfaces at room temperature. By using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron diffraction (ED) techniques, the monoclinic Cu₂S nanowires are shown to grow preferentially along the c-axis, characterized by a layered structure. This result may shed light on the unusual growth mechanism of the Cu₂S nanowires.