HCOO− ions mediated formation of cupric subcarbonate (Cu2(OH)2CO3) with various hierarchical micro/nanostructure via facile and mild solution route

Cupric subcarbonate (Cu2(OH)2CO3) with various hierarchical micro/nanostructure can be prepared by introducing HCOO− ions as an additive into a simple and mild solution reaction system. In order to confirm the influence of HCOO− ions on the micro/nanostructure of Cu2(OH)2CO3, a series of control experiments have been done by changing the experimental parameters, such as the different kinds of copper source (Cu(Ac)2·H2O, CuCl2·2H2O, Cu(NO3)2·3H2O, CuSO4·5H2O), additives (Na+, K+, HCOO− ions and CTAB) and reaction temperature. The results show that the hierarchical Cu2(OH)2CO3 structures could be well tailored via adding HCOO− ions act as the shape-controller. The present work provides new insights into the control of morphological evolution of Cu2(OH)2CO3.