Facile synthesis and photocatalytic performance of self-assembly CuO microspheres

Abstract

Hierarchical CuO microspheres have been successfully synthesized by chemical bath deposition, during which Cu(OH)2 nanorobs firstly transform into CuO nanosheets and then these nanosheets spontaneously self-assemble to form CuO microspheres. Detailed characterization of the synthesized nanomaterials was performed utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and UV–Vis absorption spectra to study their crystalline phase, morphology and optical property. Additionally, photocatalytic performance of Cu(OH)2/CuO composite and pure CuO nanostructures was evaluated. Optical gaps of them are 2.75eV and 1.33eV respectively, showing a significant enhancement in the photocatalytic property in comparison with commercial CuO as demonstrated in photodegradation of methyl blue (MB). A growth mechanism for the formation of CuO nanostructure was also proposed.