Abstract
In the present study, a quick and environmentally friendly approach has been developed for the synthesis of CuS nanocrystals of different shape with antibacterial activity. The process is completed in 5 min. The presence of copper sulfide in the final products was confirmed by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and TEM. The morphology of the product is dependent on whether or not the reaction providing sulfur was realized. When sulfur was included, the CuS particles developed an elongated shape with a thickness in the range between 6 and 8 nm and lengths up to 60 nm. It was found that sulfur plays a role of a nucleation agent in this case and then is removed during the washing process. On the other hand, if just precursors for copper sulfide were used, the morphology was spherical and the crystallite size was around 20 nm. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the products was evaluated. The activity was less selective in the case of CuS prepared by the assistance of sulfur.