Nanostructured copper oxide semiconductors: a perspective on materials, synthesis methods and applications

Abstract

The oxides of copper (Cu_xO) are fascinating materials due to their remarkable optical, electrical, thermal and magnetic properties. Nanostructuring of Cu_xO can further enhance the performance of this important functional material and provide it with unique properties that do not exist in its bulk form. Three distinctly different phases of Cu_xO, mainly CuO, Cu₂O and Cu₄O₃, can be prepared by numerous synthesis techniques including, vapour deposition and liquid phase chemical methods. In this article, we present a review of nanostructured Cu_xO focusing on their material properties, methods of synthesis and an overview of various applications that have been associated with nanostructured Cu_xO.