Cuprite (Cu2O) Architected Nanoparticles by Novel and Facile Treatment of PVA/Copper Acetate Electrospun Nanofibers

Abstract

In this study, the cuprite which is considered an important kind of gemstones could be prepared in well morphology nanoparticles using novel treatment for the poly(vinyl alcohol)/copper acetate electrospun nanofiber mats. Initially, smooth, beads-free and good morphology electrospun nanofibers could be obtained from an aqueous sol–gel composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) and copper acetate. The prepared nanofiber mats have been treated by water gas which was synthesized in an autoclave by passing hot water vapor through graphite particles bed. The utilized physicochemical characterizations indicated that the treatment temperature strongly affects the chemical composition and morphology of the final product. Typically, at a treatment temperature of 300 °C, three dimension trapezoid nanoparticles from cuprite (Cu₂O) were obtained. However, increasing the temperature to 350 °C led to form highly crystalline copper sheet decorated by small spherical nanoparticles which is considered a novel low temperature synthesis of pristine copper nanostructures. Overall, the study opens new avenues for different utilization of the electrospun nanofibers as well as introducing new technology for preparation of an expensive gemstone for industrial applications.