Investigation of polyvinyl alcohol-CuS compound with metal-like conductivity

PVA-CuS compound produced from hybrid interpolymeric polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–CuCl$_2$ complex through solid state sulfurization was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis and Raman spectroscopy, and direct current measurements. It is claimed that CuS in this compound has one-dimensional structure. This result is achieved by using a precursor technique based on diffusion limitation at solid state synthesis, so that the structure of initial reagents is inherited by reaction products. The produced material is determined to possess metal-type conductivity and thermopower in the vicinity of room temperature.