Copper oxide nanostructures: Preparation, structural, dielectric and catalytic properties

A convenient chemical precipitation route was applied to prepare cupric oxide nanoparticles using copper acetate as precursor material. The influence of the reaction conditions on the formation of CuO nanoparticles was studied. The particle size of cupric oxide varies between 7.79 and 23.83 nm depending on the sodium hydroxide amount. The crystallite size of CuO nanoparticles obtained by electrospinning and calcination was of 42.25 nm. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, EDX, XPS, electronic absorption and emission spectra were used to discuss the structural, morphological and optical properties of the CuO nanostructures. The electrical characteristics of CuO nanoparticles were investigated by dielectric and conductivity measurements. The dielectric constant (ε′) and loss (ε’’) were found to be decreased as the frequency increased. The photocatalytic activity of CuO nanoparticles was investigated following the degradation of ciprofloxacin.