Controlling the diameter of Cu2O nanowires by electrodeposition

Abstract

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanowires were prepared by electrodeposition into a porous alumina template. To deposit the Cu2O nanowires defect-free into the alumina membrane, a cathodic current density of -0.5 mA/cm(2) was constantly applied in a copper sulfate electrolyte in the presence of lactic acid. Top-view and cross-sectional observations by TEM and SEM showed homogeneous filling of the Cu2O nanowires in the 100- and 200-nm alumina pores. The length of the Cu2O nanowires was 4 pm. EDS data indicated pure Cu2O and XRD analysis showed preferential growth of. Cu2O (200) and (111) nanowires in the absence of Cu metal and CuO.