We
explore a facile and unique approach to produce low-dimensional
Cu1.8S nanostructures of nanowires and nanobelts with variable
microstructure by cation exchange (CE) reactions, including different
crystal structures, multivariant superlattices, and porous morphology.
Prior to deriving Cu1.8S nanostructures by CE reactions
with Cu at an optimum temperature of 300 °C, one-dimensional
(1D) ZnS nanostructures are synthesized as templates via the vapor–liquid–solid
(VLS) method. Extensive characterization by transmission electron
microscopy (TEM) equipped with selected-area electron diffraction
(SAED) is employed to investigate the formation mechanism of the Cu1.8S nanostructures. The experimental strategy and the proposed
underlying mechanism allow for essential insights into the microscopic
pathways of CE. Our approach provides a unique facile method for designing
compound nanomaterials with unique microstructural features for futuristic
nanodevice applications.