Fabrication of Cu2O nano crystals by {111} plane-oriented growth

Abstract

Cu₂O nano crystals were fabricated by reduction of CuCl₂ by hydrazine in presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a capping ligand in alkaline medium. X-Ray Diffraction results indicated the appearance of single phase of Cu₂O possessing cubic crystal system with lattice parameter α of 4.263 nm. By using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, subsequently, analyzing the binding energy of Cu2p electron, the oxidation sate of copper element was proved to be +1. In presence of SDS, the Cu₂O crystals preferred to grow towards {111} plane-orientation. The SEM images showed the difference shapes and sizes of Cu₂O single crystals. Under certain conditions, the truncated cube or truncated octahedron was obtained. In these structures, {111} crystal planes were exposed around the surface of Cu₂O grains. The amount of hydrazine was considered as the most important factor for tuning the morphology of Cu₂O particles. The results of this study is hoped to uncover the exploiting ability of the potential advantages from {111} planes on the surface of Cu₂O single crystals.