Controlled synthesis of Cu2O micro-crystals with various morphologies by adjusting solution conditions

Micro-crystals of cuprous oxide with different morphologies were prepared by a hydrothermal process with copper sulfate and sodium lactate as precursors. Morphology of cuprous oxide was simply controlled by adjusting solution pH values or addition of different amounts of organic solvent. Structural properties of all the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The growth mechanism of cuprous oxide micro-crystal under different conditions was discussed. Results show that morphologies of cuprous oxide micro-crystals alter from branched structure to octahedron structure and cube structure with growth conditions.