Cu and Cu2O films with semi-spherical particles grown by electrochemical deposition

Cu and Cu2O films can be prepared on indium-doped tin oxide glass substrates by simple electrodeposition in a solution containing 0.1 M Cu(NO3)2 and 3 M lactic acid at different pH values. At low pH (pH = 1.2), the uniform Cu films were obtained; when pH ≥ 7, the pure Cu2O films can be deposited. Especially, at pH = 11, the deposited Cu2O films exhibited cubic surface morphology exposing mainly {100} plane; in contrast, the films consisting of semi-spherical particles were obtained when the solution was being stirred for 2 weeks prior to use. The possible growth process and mechanism were comparatively discussed.

► Cu and Cu2O films were prepared by facile electrodeposition. ► Electrodeposition was preformed in electrolyte at different pH values. ► Dendritic Cu films were obtained at 1.2 pH with relatively high deposition potential. ► Semi-spherical Cu2O films were obtained with solution at 11 pH and stirred for 2 weeks. ► The possible growth mechanism of semi-spherical Cu2O films was discussed.