γ-CuI crystal growth in ionic liquids by the oxygen-free cooling method

A novel method is applied to grow γ-CuI crystal by the oxygen-free cooling method with solvent of [BMIm]Br. The solubility curve of CuI solution of [BMIm]Br at different temperatures is measured by means of the improved weight analysis. The γ-CuI single crystals with dimensions of 10×7×2 mm3 are obtained. The growth temperature is from 170 °C to 120 °C. Stirring speed is 60 r/min. Cooling rate is 1.5-2 °C/d. The effect of oxygen on the stability of solution has been studied by UV-vis spectra and XRD. The γ-CuI crystals are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetry.