Synthesis of CuO from CuCO3•Cu(OH)2 and its catalytic activity in the degradation of methylene blue

A one-step route has been designed to synthesize CuO nanostructures using basic cupric carbonate (CuCO3 center dot Cu(OH)(2)) as a precursor. The crystal structure and phase purity of as-obtained CuO was characterized by X-ray diffraction. The elemental compositions of samples were analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the structure and morphology of as-obtained CuO. The bandgap energy of CuO particles produced was assessed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The possible formation processes of CuO are discussed. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of prepared CuO particles was investigated in the degradation of methylene blue.