Abstract
Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanocubes were synthesized by reducing Cu(OH)2 in the presence of sodium citrate at room temperature. The samples were characterized in detail by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and N2 absorption (BET specific surface area). The equations for acquiring reaction kinetic parameters and surface thermodynamic properties of Cu2O nanocubes were deduced by establishment of the relations between thermodynamic functions of Cu2O nanocubes and these of the bulk Cu2O. Combined with thermochemical cycle, transition state theory, basic theory of chemical thermodynamics, and in situ microcalorimetry, reaction kinetic parameters, specific surface enthalpy, specific surface Gibbs free energy, and specific surface entropy of Cu2O nanocubes were successfully determined. We also introduced a universal route for gaining reaction kinetic parameters and surface thermodynamic properties of nanomaterials.
Highlights
IntroductionSurface atomic structure is a critical factor affecting many physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials occurring on its surfaces [1,2], including chemical thermodynamics [3,4,5,6,7,8,9], chemical kinetics [5,8], catalysis [10,11,12,13], sense [11], adsorption [14], phase transition [15], and electrochemistry of nanomaterials [16]
The equations for acquiring reaction kinetic parameters and surface thermodynamic properties of Cu2O nanocubes were deduced by establishment of the relations between thermodynamic functions of Cu2O nanocubes and these of the bulk Cu2O
We introduced an universal route for gaining reaction kinetic parameters and surface thermodynamic functions of nanomaterials
Summary
Surface atomic structure is a critical factor affecting many physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials occurring on its surfaces [1,2], including chemical thermodynamics [3,4,5,6,7,8,9], chemical kinetics [5,8], catalysis [10,11,12,13], sense [11], adsorption [14], phase transition [15], and electrochemistry of nanomaterials [16]. Theoretical calculation may be a powerful approach to evaluate surface energies of nanomaterials or their oriented facets [26,27,28]. These methods conducted by theoretical calculations have several limitations [29,30]. The surface energies of these complicated real surfaces are extremely difficult to theoretically calculate. A universal method to determine surface energy has yet to be developed. Developing a scientific and universal experimental method to measure the surface energy of nanomaterials is a pressing need in the scientific endeavors on solid surface and in other disciplines
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