Formation of 1D nanostructured Cu(OH)2 by electrochemical anodization of Cu foil

Abstract

Copper hydroxide films with 1D nanostructures were prepared by anodizing copper foil in an aqueous NaOH solution. The optimized conditions for nanowire and nanotube formation were found to be 0.5M and 1M NaOH, respectively, at a reaction temperature of 20 C and current density of 2mA cm-2. The growth mechanism was interpreted by the formation of anisotropic Cu(OH)2 lamellate followed by scrolling the sheet. In addition, copper compound films comprised of Cu2O agglomerates or CuO nano-leaves were formed under non-optimized conditions, suggesting that there are side reactions that hamper the formation of nanotubes or nanowires. Consequently, single crystalline quasi-aligned Cu(OH)2 nanotubes or nanowires can be prepared on a large scale by using this simple electrochemical anodization process. This protocol for the production of 1D nanostructured Cu(OH)2 films can be widely utilized to prepare promising CuO nanomaterials and superhydrophobic surfaces.