Template-free synthesis of CuO–CeO2 nanowires by hydrothermal technology

CuO–CeO2 nanowire precursors with 10–20 nm in diameter were successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method at 120 °C. The binary-oxide nanowires were obtained by annealing the precursors at 500 °C under air atmosphere. These as-prepared products were characterized by XRD, FTIR, TG, FESEM, EDS, HRTEM and SAED. The effects of the acetic acid, reaction time and temperature on the nanowire structure morphologies were analyzed. The morphologies of the nanostructures were systemically studied with different temperature, time and composition. Moreover, the possible mechanism for the nanowires formation was supposed. CuO–CeO2 nanostructures, exhibiting strong UV absorption properties, are good candidates in the application of UV blocking or shielding materials.