Shape-controlled synthesis of self-assembly cubic CuO nanostructures by microwave

Self-assembly three-dimensional (3D) cubic CuO nanostructures with a mean size of approximately 230 nm were synthesized by heating cupric acetate (Cu(OAc)2·H2O) aqueous solution in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) under microwave irradiation. The CuO nanostructures were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), which indicated that the as-synthesized cubic CuO nanostructures were a self-assembly of monodispersed nanoparticles. The concentration of the Cu(OAc)2, the molar ratio of Cu(OAc)2/NaOH/PVP, together with the heating time by microwave were factors affecting the successful synthesis of cubic CuO nanostructures. The mechanism and the formation factors of the self-assembly were discussed.

TEM micrographs of CuO nanoparticles in different reaction times: (a) 30 s; (b) 60 s; (c) 90 s; (d)120 s. The inset of (c) shows the enlargement of cubic CuO nanostructures. In all cases, [Cu(OAc)2] = 0.02 mol·dm−3, Cu(OAc)2/NaOH/PVP = 1/2/10 (molar ratio).Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Cubic CuO nanostructures were synthesized under microwave heating.
► The cubic CuO nanostructures were an assembly of the monodispersed nanoparticles.
► The size and shape of the cubic CuO nanostructures can be controlled.