The morphology dependence of cuprous oxide and its photocatalytic properties

Abstract

Cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) micro-/nanocrystals were synthesized by a simple liquid phase reduction process with copper sulfate as a copper source and glucose monohydrate as a reducer. Detailed investigations of the temperature and feeding manners of the reagents on the morphology and particle size of Cu₂O were carried out. X-ray diffraction patterns, morphology observations and ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflection absorption spectra were employed to characterize the crystallinity, morphology and light response. The characterization results gave three extraordinary morphologies: short hexapods, {110} truncated octahedron, and octahedron. The photocatalytic behaviors of the Cu₂O crystals were evaluated by monitoring the degradation rate of methyl orange (MO), a target dye. An order for the light photocatalytic activities toward MO was determined: octahedron (diameter 0.172 μm) > short hexapods > octahedron (diameter 5.530 μm) > {110} truncated octahedron crystals. The bewitching structure, controllable morphology and robust photocatalytic performances as well as the easy synthesis mean that the Cu₂O crystals are good candidates as light photocatalysts.