Abstract
In this study, we report a low cost, fast and unexplored electrochemical synthesis strategy of copper oxide nanoneedles films as well as their morphological and chemical characterization. The nanostructured films were prepared using electrochemical anodization in alkaline electrolyte solutions of ethylene glycol, water and fluoride ions. The film morphology shows nanoneedle-shaped structures, with lengths up to 1–2 μm; meanwhile, high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HRXPS) and spectroscopy Raman analyses indicate that a mixture of Cu(II) and Cu(I) oxides, or only Cu(I) oxide, is obtained as the percentage of water in the electrolyte solution decreases. A preliminary study was also carried out for the photocatalytic degradation of the methylene blue (MB) dye under irradiation with simulated sunlight in the presence of the nanoneedles obtained, presenting a maximum degradation value of 88% of MB and, thus, demonstrating the potential characteristics of the material investigated in the degradation of organic dyes.
Highlights
The obtention of the nanostructures of different materials has been a subject of increasing interest in the last decade due to their novel physicochemical properties that allow their application in fields such as medicine, acoustics, optoelectronics, photonics, sensors and electrocatalysts [1,2,3,4]
The presence of ethylene glycol and hydroxyl ions in the electrolytic medium may stabilize the current density during the anodization due to its density and polarity as well the alkaline pH employed the otherdue hand, Raman may as stabilize the current density during the On anodization to itsthe density andspectrum polarity for the as well as the alkaline
Based on the results obtained in this research, we conclude that it is possible to synthesize CuO and/or Cu2 O nanostructures using a very simple, one-step and low-cost method
Summary
The obtention of the nanostructures of different materials has been a subject of increasing interest in the last decade due to their novel physicochemical properties that allow their application in fields such as medicine, acoustics, optoelectronics, photonics, sensors and electrocatalysts [1,2,3,4]. Copper oxide-based nanomaterials attract attention due to its non-toxic nature, low cost and their low bandgap values of 1.2 to 1.8 eV and 1.8 to 2.5 eV for CuO and Cu2 O, respectively [11]. Their conduction and valence bands are close to the water reduction and oxidation potentials, respectively, allowing the oxide film
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