Controllable synthesis of cuprite (Cu ₂ O) microcrystals and their shape‐dependent photocatalytic performances

Abstract

Microcrystals of cuprite (Cu 2 O) samples exhibiting octahedral and spherical morphologies were synthesised via a facile chemical method and were then characterised by X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that the potassium sodium tartrate (KNaC 4 H 4 O 6 •4H 2 O, PST) and gelatin addition had a prominent effect on the morphologies. The possible formation mechanism of Cu 2 O microcrystals was discussed based on the effects of PST and gelatin. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activities of the prepared Cu 2 O microcrystals were investigated by UV-vis spectrophotometry, demonstrating that their behavior was influenced by the different morphologies, and the Cu 2 O microspheres possessed the highest activity.