The fabrication of controlled coral-like Cu2O films and their hydrophobic property

In this paper, we report on the nanostructured Cu2O film with controllable coral-like morphology in the presence of CuCl2 by electrodeposition without using any performed template. Four types of patterned Cu2O films including grains-like, agaric-like, frutex-like and coral-like films were achieved by governing the time or additive. The coral patterned Cu2O film is for the first time found here. Additionally, possible growth mechanism for multi-patterned Cu2O is discussed via preferential growths induced by selective absorption of Cl− ions in the present reaction system. The resulting pattered films displayed tunable hydrophobic and even superhydrophobic properties owing to their special surface with micro-/nanostructures after simple surface modification. These experimental results prove a versatile and facile strategy for Cu2O films with special and complex architectures which may highlights their potential applications in self-cleaning equipment due to the improved surface activity.

► The controlled coral-like Cu2O film is firstly reported. ► Multi-patterned Cu2O films are obtained by governing the time or additive. ► The contact angle of the Cu2O films is discussed. ► The formation mechanism of multi-patterned Cu2O is demonstrated.