Novel solvent-less synthesis of CuO nanoparticles by using sublimated precursors

In this work, one-dimensional micro/nanostructures of bis(acetylacetonato)copper(II), [Cu(acac)2], have been prepared by using a free solvent, controllable, and template-less method. Crystalline [Cu(acac)2] nanostructures were obtained by the subliming of bis(acetylacetonato)copper(II) powder. The sublimation process was done at 160, 170, 180, and 190 °C. When the as-produced crystalline [Cu(acac)2] nanostructures were decomposed at 280 °C, CuO nanoparticles with particle sizes in the range of 15-20 nm were formed. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns of the products indicated that pure [Cu(acac)2] nanostructures and CuO nanoparticles with monoclinic crystalline phase have been produced by this method. Scanning electron micrographs of the products showed that rod-like microstructures of [Cu(acac)2] have been prepared by the sublimation process at 180, and 190 °C.