Synthesis and microstructural characterization of nanostructured CuO particles

The oxides of copper are interesting materials due to their remarkable optical, electrical, thermal and magnetic properties. In nanostructured state can further enhance the performance of this important functional material and provide it with unique properties that do not exist in its bulk form. Elaboration with solar energy of CuO nanoparticles has not been reported yet in the literature. The paper aims and to present the most important results referring to the CuO nanoparticles obtained by SPVD (Solar Physical Vapor Deposition) process. The X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) was chosen as the first method used to characterize these nano oxides powders. The average size of particles from diffraction domains of the analysed powders was compared to the average particle size determined by transmission electron microscopy. To complete the characterization X-ray Fluorescence analysis offers information about the chemical elemental composition of the nanopowders. The results prove that solar physical vapor deposition process to be an original process to prepare nanopowders.