Synthesis of spindle-like CuO nanoparticles by using cathode glow discharge electrolysis plasma

Spindle-like CuO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared in a single-step approach by using a cathode glow discharge electrolysis plasma (CGDEP) technique with 2.5 g L-1 NaNO3 as an electrolyte and 1.0 g L-1 cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a stabilizer. When a sufficiently high voltage (>280 V) was applied, plasma was generated around the Pt needle point cathode. The copper foil anode was gradually consumed and black CuO NPs appeared. The active species formed during the CGDEP process were recorded on an optical fiber spectrometry. The structure and morphology of the CuO NPs were characterized by XRD and SEM. The results showed that spindle-like CuO NPs with the length of 250-350 nm were formed at 300 V discharge voltage. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.