CuO nanowires prepared via a facile solution route and their photocatalytic property

CuO nanowires were prepared using Cu foil as substrate via a solution route in large scales. The method was simple, low cost, and can be completed in the absence of any surfactant. The morphological investigation of synthesized CuO products was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) which confirmed that the synthesized products are wire-shaped and are grown in large quantity. The detailed structural, compositional and optical characterizations of the synthesized nanowires were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV–vis spectroscopy, which confirmed that the obtained nanowires were well-crystalline pure CuO and possessing good optical properties. Additionally, photocatalytic performance of the CuO nanowires was evaluated. About 90% of the methyl orange was degraded after 180 min under nature light, which was significantly more efficient than CuO nanoparticles.

► Facile solution method for the first time.
► Structure and optical properties of CuO nanowires on Cu foil.
► Enhanced photocatalytic property of CuO nanowires, compared to CuO nanoparticles.