Novel synthesis of Cu2O nano cubes derived from hydrolysis of Cu nano powder and its high catalytic effects

Abstract Cu 2 O (cuprite) nano cubes with high catalytic properties were synthesized by Cu nano powder in distilled water and the catalytic effects were clarified by oxidation of 2,3,5-trimethyl-1,4-hydroquinone (TMHQ) and catalase activity. The single phase of Cu 2 O nano cubes shows uniform size with the average edge length of 30 nm. The Cu 2 O nano cubes show much higher catalytic effects than spherical shaped Cu 2 O commercial powders. A part of Cu 2 O was changed to CuO phase in the air. The freshly prepared Cu 2 O shows the highest activity, and it decreases with increasing CuO phase. It was found that the catalytic effects depend on the particle size, surface state and amount of Cu 2 O phase.