Characterization of ordered Cu₂O nanowire arrays prepared by heat treated Cu/PAM composite

Cu nanowire arrays were synthesized via a porous alumina membrane (PAM) template with a high aspect ratio, uniform pore size (120-140 nm), and ordered pore arrangement. The Cu₂O nanowire arrays were prepared from the oxidization of Cu metal nanowire arrays. The electrochemical deposition potential of Cu metal nanowires (-180 mV vs. SCE) was determined from X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The microstructure and chemical composition of Cu nanowire arrays were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results indicate that the Cu/Cu₂O nanowire arrays assembled into the nanochannel of the porous alumina template with diameters of 120-140 nm. The valence of copper was controlled by the porous alumina template during the annealing process. Copper nanowires transformed to the Cu₂O phase with the space limitation of the PAM template. Single-crystal Cu₂O nanowire arrays were also obtained under the template embedded.