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Mixed-phase structural characterization of urchin-like CuO/Cu₂O nanostructures.
Hye Seong Jang1,2, Gyeong Hee Ryu3,4
1Department of Materials Engineering and Convergence Technology, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea.
Applied Microscopy
|June 9, 2026
Summary
Urchin-like copper oxide nanostructures with mixed CuO and Cu₂O phases were synthesized using a surfactant-assisted method. These hierarchical materials show potential for high-surface-area applications due to their unique morphology and stability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemistry
Background:
- Mixed-phase copper oxides offer unique properties compared to single-phase materials.
- Hierarchical nanostructures provide high surface areas for enhanced functionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize urchin-like CuO/Cu₂O mixed-phase nanostructures.
- To investigate the growth mechanism and structural characteristics.
- To explore the potential applications of these materials.
Main Methods:
- Surfactant-assisted synthesis for controlled nucleation and growth.
- X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for phase identification.
- High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) for morphological and structural analysis.
- Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) for elemental mapping.
- In situ electron-beam irradiation for stability assessment.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized urchin-like CuO/Cu₂O mixed-phase nanostructures with hierarchical morphology.
- Verified the coexistence of CuO and Cu₂O phases using XRD and XPS.
- Observed well-defined lattice fringes of Cu₂O via HRTEM.
- Demonstrated gradual compositional variation from core to surface using EDS.
- Showcased structural densification and stability under electron-beam irradiation.
Conclusions:
- The surfactant-assisted approach enables controlled synthesis of hierarchical mixed-phase copper oxides.
- These nanostructures possess unique structural properties and stability.
- The findings provide fundamental insights into mixed-phase copper oxide formation and their potential as high-surface-area functional materials.
