(163b) Cuprite Microcrystals Synthesis VIA a Simple Chemical Reduction Route UNDER Mild Conditions

Cuprite (CuO₂) is a naturally occurring ore of copper that has excellent optical and magnetic properties, which leads to promising applications in catalysis, solar energy conversion, chemical sensors and magnetic devices. Cuprite micro and nanocrystals with different geometries have been synthesized by hydrothermal method, micro-emulsion, high temperature decomposition routes, electro-deposition and chemical reduction from copper salts. In this work, we report the synthesis of cuprite microcrystals from cubic to octahedral microcrystals through chemical reduction of CuSO₄ using ascorbic acid as reducing agent. Temperature variation is a key factor for obtaining different morphologies as well as reducing agent concentration. The use of ultrasonic radiation leads to the obtaining of dipyramid prismatic cuprite microcrystals, this geometry is rarely reported in literature obtained by low cost and ecofriendly methodologies. The cuprite microcrystals architecture is highly attractive to be used as catalyst in organic chemistry synthesis.