Synthesis of Cu/Cu₂O core/multi-shelled microcrystal via shape and structure transformation of pre-grown crystals

Inorganic materials with novel structures have attracted many interests because of their special applications. In this paper, we have developed a simple hydrothermal method to synthesize novel core/multi-shelled structure. The Cu₂O octahedron, Cu/Cu₂O core/multi-shelled truncated octahedron and Cu/Cu₂O core/multi-shelled octahedron microcrystal can be easily obtained by varying the aging time with the assistance of TEA (triethanolamine). The experimental results suggest that the building blocks with desired architecture can be selectively synthesized by programming the growth parameters in the synthetic process. The possible mechanism for the formation and evolution of the different particle shapes is proposed. The TEA not only as the reducing agent but also as template is believed to play a key role in the shape and structure transformation process. Photovoltage signals, which are strongly affected by the Cu amount depended on the aging time, are observed at Cu/Cu₂O core/multi-shelled structures with transient and spectral photovoltage (PV) techniques. Crown