CuO/TiO2 Composite Obtained Using a New and Simple Technique

Abstract

Interest exists in the three-dimensional interface CuO/TiO2 due to its possible applications for solar energy conversion. A simple technique is used to grow copper oxide by chemical bath deposition inside the mesopores of the nanocrystalline TiO2 layer. The resulting structure constitutes a three-dimensional interface CuO/TiO2. Aqueous solutions of copper (II) formate and copper (II) acetate were used as copper oxide precursors. Results of the structural and morphological analysis are presented. They were obtained using scanning electron microscopy, profilometry, UV-visible spectroscopy, micro-Raman and X-ray diffraction. Results show the presence of CuO nanocrystals when an aqueous solution of cupric formate is employed as precursor. But CuO is not crystalline in composites obtained using the cupric acetate solution as precursor.