A facile one-step approach for the synthesis and assembly of copper and copper-oxide nanocrystals

A simple one-step approach for the formation of close packed films of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles is described. Thermal decomposition of copper cupferrate, a single-source precursor, on silicon produces a well-controlled, assembled film of Cu nanocrystals. Upon oxidation, Cu2O is formed with retention of the assembly. Similarly, the thermal decomposition of manganese cupferrate results in the formation of porous MnO nanowires. Various solvents were used to examine their influence on the composition and assembly of the nanoparticles. This approach enables an easy and reproducible process for the synthesis and assembly of metal oxide nanostructures.