Square Pulse Galvanostatic Synthesis and Characterization of Nano- Copper Oxide

In this study, the copper oxide nanoparticles are synthesized by the square pulse galvanostatic method (SPGM) through anodic oxidation of copper electrode in sodium sulfate solution. The released Cu2+ ions are precipitated slowly as Cu(OH)(2) nanoparticles. In the temperature more than 40 degrees C, the copper hydroxide is decomposed to CuO nanoparticles. The electrochemical cell includes one copper positive electrode (anode) and two copper negative electrodes (cathodes) in the sodium sulfate solution as electrolyte. The effects of some parameters such as solution temperature, electrolyte concentration, pule time, relaxation time and pulse amplitude were studied and optimized. The optimum conditions for the electrosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles includes 1x10(-4) M sodium sulfate solution, the square pulse amplitude of 20 mA cm(-2), pulse time of 2 s, relaxation time of 1 s and temperature of 60 degrees C. The produced samples are filtered and washed 3 times with water and finally with acetone and then dried at 600 degrees C for 1 h. The prepared samples are characterized by SEM, TEM and XRD techniques. The experimental data show the optimized copper oxide sample includes uniform CuOnanorods with 35 nm average diameter and 550 nm average length.