During the past decade, one-dimensional (1D) nanostructured materials have sparked a worldwide interest because of their unique electronic, optical, and mechanical properties and their potential applications in nanodevices and functional materials. Recently, Qian et al. has reported a solvothermal synthesis of chalcogenides using enthylenediamine as the solvent [1-2]. However, it is inevitable to use toxic, dangerous and expensive solvent in the solvothermal process. Addressing this issue, we have presented a thioglyeolic acid (TGA) assisted hydrothermal method to prepare one-dimensional chalcogenides, which is milder, simpler, more practical, and more environmentally friendly in comparison with the solvothermal method.

We have successfully prepared CdS nanorods, Bi₂S₃ nanowires, and SnS₂ nanobelts using this method. We believed that the formation of the complexed chalcogenide clusters during the hydrothermal process is the key factor to the growth of one-dimensional chalcogenide. Based on this idea, we have introduced TGA-assisted hydrothermal method to prepare FeS nanostructure. The X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) and Transmission electron microscopy image (TEM) indicate that the FeS nanorods have been prepared by TGA-assisted hydrothermal process using Na₂S as sulphur source. Furthermore, the different sulphur source and the ratio of Fe/S have greatly affected on the morphology and structure of FeS. The mechanism for the TGA assisted hydrothermal synthesis of FeS nanostructures has been preliminary presented.

Reference
(1) Xie, Y. Huang, J. Li, B. Liu, Y. Qian, Y. Advanced Materials 2000, 12, 1523.