Polycrystalline CuS was prepared by the reaction between
elemental copper and sulfur at low temperatures (60 C) in
water. In the presence of water, sulfur prevents the formation
of an oxide passivating layer and disrupts the CuS passive
film to constantly expose the reactant copper surface, thereby
allowing the formation of CuS to proceed at low temperatures.
While this basic corrosion process can be economically
detrimental, it proves beneficial for the synthesis of CuS at
low temperatures. These results underscore the utility of the
corrosion science literature in improving the understanding
and synthetic utility of preparative reactions in contact with
water.