A plasma-assisted approach for the controlled dispersion of CuO aggregates into β iron(III) oxide matrices

beta-Fe2O3/CuO nanosystems were synthesised by using a two-step plasma-assisted strategy. beta-Fe2O3 nanostructures (host) were initially deposited by plasma assisted-chemical vapour deposition (PA-CVD) on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates. Subsequently, CuO nanoparticles (NPs, guest) were over-deposited on host matrices by means of radio frequency (RF) sputtering under mild conditions. The combined use of structural, morphological and chemical analyses evidenced the formation of pure and homogeneous beta-Fe2O3/CuO systems possessing a high dispersion of CuO NPs in/on beta-Fe2O3 hosts. The target nanomaterials were characterized by an intimate contact between the two oxides, with CuO NP size and tuneable content as a function of sputtering time. These features, along with the tailored nano-organization, make the present beta-Fe2O3/CuO nanosystems attractive candidates for diverse technological applications involving solar light harvesting.