Electrodeposition and electrocatalytic activity of Cu2O film on stainless steel substrate

► Cu2O films via electrodeposition in simple Cu(II) electrolytes without any capping agent used. ► The orientation and morphology change of Cu2O films tuned by different anions is discussed. ► A distinctive change in orientation of Cu2O film with the deposition time. ► The activities of the obtained Cu2O films in degradation of methylene blue in water.