Single crystal cupric oxide nanowires: Length- and density-controlled growth and gas-sensing characteristics

Nanowire structured p-type CuO semiconductor is a promising material for gas-sensing applications because of its unique electrical and optical properties. In this study, we demonstrate the length and density controlled synthesis of single crystal CuO nanowires (CuO NWs) by a simple and convenient thermal oxidation of high-purity copper foils in ambient atmosphere. The density and length of the CuO NWs are controlled by varying the oxidation temperature and heating duration to investigate their growth mechanism. As-synthesized materials are characterized by different techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The gas-sensing characteristics of the CuO NWs are tested using hydrogen and ethanol gases. The results show that the CuO NWs could potentially sense hydrogen and ethanol gases given a working temperature of 400 °C.