Synthesis of fluorescent and photovoltaic Cu2O nanocubes
Journal
Nanotechnology
Journal Volume
19
Journal Issue
2
Date Issued
2008
Author(s)
Abstract
Hollow and filled Cu2O nanocubes of about 28 ± 5 nm in edge length with a band gap ∼2.42 eV have been prepared from cupric nitrate in alkaline aqueous solutions containing fructose and ascorbic acid at room temperature. To the best of our knowledge, this simple strategy demonstrates the first example of preparing high-quality Cu2O nanocubes (yield>95%) with sizes smaller than 30 nm. By controlling several important experimental parameters such as pH, concentrations of fructose, and molar ratios of fructose/copper (II), different Cu2O nanostructures were prepared. The cubic nanostructures were evidenced by the metal shadowing and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. We confirmed that the Cu 2O nanocubes were formed from hollow to filled structures by conducting time-evolution TEM measurements. The thus-prepared Cu2O nanocubes possess size-dependence absorption and luminescence characteristics; they absorb light at wavelengths 360 and 454 nm and fluoresce at 493 nm (quantum yield 6.6 × 10-2%) when excited at 360 nm. A film of Cu 2O nanocubes provided a photocurrent density of ∼80 mA m -2 at a biased voltage 3 V under sunlight illumination (100 mW cm-2). © IOP Publishing Ltd.
SDGs
Other Subjects
Cupric nitrate; Nanocubes; Room temperature; Energy gap; Fluorescence; pH effects; Photovoltaic effects; Synthesis (chemical); Transmission electron microscopy; Copper compounds; cuprous oxide; nanomaterial; oxide; unclassified drug; article; chemical analysis; crystal structure; luminescence; particle size; pH; priority journal; synthesis; transmission electron microscopy
Type
journal article