Morphology Control of Copper Hydroxide Based Nanostructures in Liquid Phase Synthesis

Synthesis and study of copper hydroxide based nanostructures is of continued interest for researchers as these materials act as templates for formation of CuO and because of their individual applications for energy storage and sensing. However, the synthesis mechanisms and the intrinsic properties of these nanostructures are rarely investigated. In this work, we show the template-free bottom-up synthesis and shape control of copper hydroxide based nanostructures grown in liquid phase, from 1D nanowires to 2D layered nanoplatelets and 3D nanocrystals. Precise control over the pH of the solution and the reaction temperature lead to intended tuning of the morphology and chemical composition of the nanostructures. Among the copper hydroxy salts, the botallackite polymorph is known as an intermediate compound which is difficult to stabilise in mother solution. We show here a way to achieve the stable botallackite in form of nanoplatelets. The obtained copper hydroxide based nanostructures are analysed using X-ray Diffraction, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and absorbance spectra. We contemplate upon the rationale behind this change in shape and material. Having an improved understanding of the formation mechanism of the various nanostructures will enable researchers to have better control over synthesis with designed architecture of nanostructures for targeted applications.