Synthesis of copper hollow nanospheres via a solvothermal reduction process

Ning Gao*, Jinling Li, Peirong

Abstract

Uniform copper hollow nanospheres with average diameters of ~500nm were synthesized through two stages. The first stage is the synthesis of copper hydroxide precursors and the second is the recrystallization stage by a simple surfactant-assisted solvothermal reduction method. These copper hollow nanospheres were formed through the reduction of copper hydroxide by the admixture of ethanol and ethylenediamine in the presence of surfactant sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS) at 180ºC. Influencing factors on the morphologies and components of the final products are discussed. The products were investigated in detail by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), the electron diffraction (ED) and UV-vis absorption spectrum.