Glycine-assisted double-solvothermal approach for various cuprous oxide structures with good catalytic activities

Abstract

In this article, we proposed a glycine-assisted double-solvent thermal approach to controllably synthesize a series of Cu₂O microcrystals. In a water–ethanol system, the products have predominantly octahedral and polyhedral structures; while in water–glycol system or a water–glycerin system, the products have more tendencies to form a cubic type structure. Compared with the conventional route, this method provides a mild technique for various morphologies of Cu₂O and omits the need for template or surfactant in such mild conditions. The effects of glycine and double solvents on the morphology control have also been discussed. The investigations of the application of these crystals for photodegradation of rhodamine B and mechano-catalytic overall water splitting to produce H₂ reveals that all these products have great catalytic activities and the catalytic activities are affected by the morphology of the Cu₂O crystals.