Controlled synthesis and morphological investigation of self-assembled CuO nanostructures

Copper oxide nanostructures with different morphologies from bundle of sheets to nanofibres were synthesized by a chemical method. Pyridine was used as a morphology directing agent and the role of its concentration was investigated. In the absence of pyridine, bundles of nanosheets were obtained. Addition of pyridine in various concentrations had a profound effect on the morphology. The high dispersion ability of pyridine led to the separation of particles and decrease in grain size. The grain size decreased with increase in ligand concentration. Structural studies revealed the formation of monoclinic CuO. The possible mechanisms for the formation of these nanostructures were explained with the help of electron microscopic techniques. The obtained CuO nanostructures had high crystalline nature with fascinating functional properties. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.