Effect of reaction time on structural, morphological, optical and photocatalytic properties of copper oxide (CuO) nanostructures

摘要

Spindle-like CuO nanostructure had been synthesized by facile hydrothermal method at low temperature of 100 degrees C. The influence of reaction time on the evolution of structure, morphology, optical and photocatalytic properties was investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the monoclinic phase. HR-SEM and TEM analyses evidenced morphological transformation with reaction time. XPS analysis revealed the composition and elemental state of CuO nanoparticles. The optical properties analysed by UV-absorption spectroscopy indicated that the band gap varied slightly within the range 3.43-3.56eV. Photoluminescence spectra displayed violet, blue and green emissions for all synthesized nanostructures. The as-synthesized CuO nanostructures were effectively used to degrade methylene blue (MB) dye under UV-light irradiation; reaching a maximum efficiency of 85% for 12h.