Controllable one-step synthesis of CuO, Cu2O and Cu

In the present report, CuO, Cu2O and Cu have been successfully synthesized through a facile, one-step hydrothermal method at a relative low temperature by controlling only the concentration of citric acid. Compared with other synthetic methods, the present method is mild, high-efficient and nontoxic. The crystal structure and morphology of the as prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The mechanism for the crystal phase and morphological changes with different citric acid concentrations were discussed. The possible reaction process of the synthesis was also studied on the basis of the experimental results. We hope that this facile, one-step hydrothermal method could be used in controlling synthesis of other metals and metal oxides under appropriate experimental conditions.