Tailoring the Synthesis of Flower-like CuO Nanostructures with Exceptional Wettability Properties: Understanding the Growth Mechanism

In the current work, CuO nanoparticles with different morphologies has been synthesized through a facile hydrothermal route by varying the reaction conditions, including pH, Cu(NO3)2 concentration, reaction temperature and time. CuO nanoparticles undergo a successive morphology evolution to 1D nanowires, 2D nanoleaves, 2D nanoshuttles and eventually to 3D nanoflowers. The surface of flower-like CuO nanostructures exhibits exceptional superhydrophilicity with a water contact angle of 3.1°, and superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 164.6° after fluorination with FAS. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the controllable synthesis and growth mechanism of flower-like CuO nanostructures, which can guide the rational design of functional nanomaterials with tailored properties.