A simple room temperature method was reported for the synthesis of CuO nanocrystals in aqueous solution through the sequence of Cu(2+) → Cu(OA)2 → Cu(OH)2 → Cu(OH)(2-)4 → CuO. Sodium oleate (SOA) was used as the surfactant and shape controller. The as-prepared samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). It can be seen that 1D Cu(OH)(2) nanowires were first obtained from Cu(OA)(2) and, at room temperature, converted into 2D CuO nanoleaves (CuO NLs) in a short time under a weakly basic environment. On prolonging the reaction time, the top part of these 2D nanoleaves branched and separated along the long axis to form 1D rod-like nano-CuO because of the assistance of SOA. A possible transformation mechanism of Cu(OH)(2) to CuO nanostructures at room temperature in aqueous solution is discussed. The transformation velocity can be controlled by changing the pH value of the system. The prepared CuO NLs were used to construct an enzyme-free glucose sensor. The detecting results showed that the designed sensor exhibited good amperometric responses towards glucose with good anti-interferent ability.

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DNA modified funnel-shaped alumina nanochannels have been fabricated, which could sense Hg2+ and Ag+ ions with good selectivity and sensitivity.

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