Ecofriendly Process to Synthesize Cu2O Nanowires with Tunable Morphology by pH Adjustments

Here, we demonstrate the use and optimization of a hydrothermal synthesis method based on Fehling’s reaction to synthesize different Cu2O nanostructures with various aspect ratios, via a progressive pH variation. Different nanowires were obtained and characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Our results show that the nanowire’s aspect ratio is highly pH-sensitive and can be tuned from 70 to 719. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the growth direction and single crystallinity of the synthesized Cu2O nanostructures. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to confirm the presence of only the cuprous oxide phase. Finally, the optical properties were probed by UV–visible absorbance spectroscopy.