Structural, opto-electronic, light sensing & photocatalytic properties of CuO/Cu2O composite and transition metal modified CuO

Abstract

The synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is currently a hot topic in science due to its unique electrical, magnetic, optical, and catalytic properties1 . Compared to typical and commercial bulk materials, this makes them attractive candidates for biological, optical, and electrical applications. Metallic nanoparticles also have lower melting temperatures, a higher specific surface area, better mechanical strength, and superior optical and magnetic characteristics than bulk metals. Metal oxide NPs, as a result, play an important role in chemistry, physics, and material science2 . Transition metal oxides are semiconductors with scientific and industrial applications in the magnetic storage medium, solar energy conversion, electronics, and catalysis. Furthermore, metal oxides with multivalent oxidation states drew a lot of attention from specialists because of their wide range of interesting and unique qualities, such as nontoxicity, environmental friendliness, and long-term stability.3 . Transition metal oxides such as NiO, ZnO, TiO2, Fe2O3, and CuO used in magnetic storage media, resonance imaging, bio separation, medicine, and wastewater treatment have recently received greater attention4 . TiO2 is used as a pigment in paints, toothpaste, and ointments5 . Because ZnO and TiO2 NPs are transparent, they are employed as sunscreens to improve the effectiveness and use of products6 . Socks, shirts, and paints contain silver nanoparticles with antibacterial characteristics. As a result, nanoparticles are found in a wide variety of daily consumer goods. Copper oxide (CuO) NPs are one of the most important metal oxide NPs that have attracted attention due to their low cost, plentiful availability, good stability, and simple manufacturing procedure, among other factors that make them appealing for a variety of applications7 . CuO NPs, as a result, have better electrical and optical characteristics than their bulk counterparts8.