Template-free synthesis of mesoporous single-crystal CuO particles with dumbbell-shaped morphology

Dumbbell-shaped CuO particles were synthesized by a rapid hydrothermal process at 150 degrees C/2 h via template-free route. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) showed the crystallization of Cu-2(OH)(2)CO3 in the as-prepared samples, and monoclinic CuO phase for 300 degrees C-treated samples. The BET surface area, total pore volume and average pore diameter of the samples were found to be 67.4 m(2) g(-1), 0.39 cm(3) g(-1), and 23 nm, respectively. Microstructural analysis indicated dumbbell-shaped morphology comprising of self-assembled microrod-like particles (length 2-10 mu m, dia 200-300 nm). Single-crystalline nature of the particles was confirmed by selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images. A tentative formation mechanism was illustrated. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.