A versatile chemical conversion synthesis of Cu(2)S nanotubes and the photovoltaic activities for dye-sensitized solar cell

A versatile, low-temperature, and low-cost chemical conversion synthesis has been developed to prepare copper sulfide (Cu(2)S) nanotubes. The successful chemical conversion from ZnS nanotubes to Cu(2)S ones profits by the large difference in solubility between ZnS and Cu(2)S. The morphology, structure, and composition of the yielded products have been examined by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction measurements. We have further successfully employed the obtained Cu(2)S nanotubes as counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells. The light-to-electricity conversion results show that the Cu(2)S nanostructures exhibit high photovoltaic conversion efficiency due to the increased surface area and the good electrocatalytical activity of Cu(2)S. The present chemical route provides a simple way to synthesize Cu(2)S nanotubes with a high surface area for nanodevice applications.