Facile synthesis and photocatalytic performance of self-assembly CuO microspheres. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jiang, Tingting; Wang, Yongqian; Meng, Dawei; Yu, Meihua
• Is Part Of: Superlattices and microstructures. Volume 85(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 6
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: CuO -- Optical property -- Photocatalytic performance -- Self-assembled; Superlattices as materials -- Periodicals; Microstructure -- Periodicals; Semiconductors -- Periodicals; Superréseaux -- Périodiques; Microstructure (Physique) -- Périodiques; Semiconducteurs -- Périodiques; 621.38152
• DOI: 10.1016/j.spmi.2015.05.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0749-6036

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Cu(OH)2 /CuO (2.75 eV) and CuO (1.33 eV) lead to blue shift and red shift of band gap. Both Cu(OH)2 /CuO and CuO nanostructures can largely enhance photocatalytic property. The three-dimensional growth process is clarified iconically for the first time. Abstract: Hierarchical CuO microspheres have been successfully synthesized by chemical bath deposition, during which Cu(OH)2 nanorobs firstly transform into CuO nanosheets and then these nanosheets spontaneously self-assemble to form CuO microspheres. Detailed characterization of the synthesized nanomaterials was performed utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and UV–Vis absorption spectra to study their crystalline phase, morphology and optical property. Additionally, photocatalytic performance of Cu(OH)2 /CuO composite and pure CuO nanostructures was evaluated. Optical gaps of them are 2.75 eV and 1.33 eV respectively, showing a significant enhancement in the photocatalytic property in comparison with commercial CuO as demonstrated in photodegradation of methyl blue (MB). A growth mechanism for the formation of CuO nanostructure was also proposed.