Preparation of CuO mesocrystals via antlerite intermediate for photocatalytic applications

Abstract

CuO mesocrystals were synthesized by thermal decomposition of antlerite (Cu3(OH)4SO4) formed as an intermediate by the reaction between CuSO4.5H2O and urea under specific experimental conditions. Antlerite possessing spindles of sea urchin-like morphology was obtained via controlled hydrolysis process using ethylene glycol as a co-solvent. Antlerite and CuO mesocrystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform-infrared spectrum (FT-IR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). A probable mechanism for formation of such morphologies has been proposed. The photocatalytic and optical ..