CuO Nanosheets Synthesized by Hydrothermal Process

CuO nanosheets are synthesized by oxidation of commercial Cu substrates through the hydrothermal process at 150°C. The as-synthesized nanosheets are characterized by powder x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For comparison, Cu substrates are also oxidized without NaOH added in precursor solution. The results show that the morphology of CuO could be controlled by NaOH, which demonstrates that NaOH can serve as a cosolvent and modifier in the reaction system. The possible mechanism of the growth of CuO nanosheets is also discussed.