Abstract
Copper nanomaterials play a role as catalysts in sustainable energy technology and sensor devices. We present a one-pot synthesis for the selective preparation of phase-pure clinoatacamite (Cu-2(OH)(3)Cl) and cupric oxide (CuO) nanoparticles by controlling the pH of the solution. The effect of pH on the phase of the product was systematically investigated utilizing 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES) buffer. Here, the MES buffer was crucial for the synthesis. It not only allowed for selective synthesis by controlling pH but also guided the morphology of the CuO nanoparticles. In addition, it directed the growth of Cu-2(OH)(3)Cl to provide pure clinoatacamite without the presence of related polymorphs. The products were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible light spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Infrared spectroscopy was essential for characterization of closely related polymorphs of Cu-2(OH)(3)Cl indistinguishable by XRD. A plausible mechanism has been proposed and discussed for the formation of the CuO and Cu-2(OH)(3)Cl nanostructures.
Published Version
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