Novel Janus Cu2(OH)2CO3/CuS microspheres prepared via a Pickering emulsion route.

Janus Cu2(OH)2CO3/CuS microspheres were prepared via a Pickering emulsion route for the first time. By treating the Janus Cu2(OH)2CO3/CuS microspheres with dilute hydrochloric acid, ringent Cu2(OH)2CO3/CuS core/shell microspheres and ringent CuS shells were obtained. The hatch size of the ringent CuS shells increased with the increase of the hydrophobicity of the precursor Cu2(OH)2CO3 microspheres. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersion spectra, and particle size analysis were used to characterize the products thus formed.