LAUSR

Abstract It is reported that shape controlled synthesis of maize-leaf like Cu2O nanosheets array film through a facile anodization method by controlling the potassium hydroxide concentration and time. The synthesized products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the amount of potassium hydroxide concentration is critical for the formation of the maize-leaf like Cu2O. The morphology of Cu2O was gradually changed into the maize-leaf like Cu2O nanosheets array film by adjusting the amount of potassium hydroxide concentration. The maize-leaf like Cu2O nanosheets array film was also characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that Cu2O phase was successfully prepared, but there was also a portion of CuO. Furthermore, the photoelectric output properties of the maize-leaf like Cu2O nanosheets array film as a photoelectrode was investigated. The results indicated that optimal photoelectric performance was obtained when the maize-leaf like Cu2O nanosheets array film was synthesized by anodized, which was prepared in electrolyte solution containing 4.0 M potassium hydroxide.