Controlled synthesis of monodispersed CuO nanocrystals

Abstract

Controlling the size, shape and structure of nanocrystals is technologically importantbecause of the strong effect of size and shape on optical, electrical, and catalyticproperties. Monodispersed nanocrystals of copper oxide were prepared by theprecipitation–pyrolysis method. By controlling the starting materials, reactiveconcentration and annealing temperature, we can obtain spherical monodispersed CuOnanocrystals of different sizes or rodlike CuO nanocrystals. The particle sizesof CuO monodispersed nanocrystals can be tuned in the range between and 30 nm. The products have been characterized by x-ray diffraction, transmissionelectron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and the UV–visibleabsorption spectrum. The absorption spectra of CuO nanocrystals show clear evidence ofthe quantum size effect. The possible formation mechanism of monodispersed CuOnanocrystals is discussed.