PH-dependent synthesis of copper oxide phases by polyol method

Abstract

Copper oxide nanostructures (Cu2O and CuO) were successfully synthesized via pH adjustments in a glycolic medium. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of cubic Cu2O at acidic condition and monoclinic CuO at basic condition. SEM images showed the production of copper oxide nanoparticles with sizes 90-96 nm and flower-like structures using the complex solution. Using UV-Vis spectroscopy, the measured band gap energies are 2.6 and 3.5 eV for Cu2O and CuO, respectively.