One-step preparation of copper nanorods with rectangular cross sections

Copper nanorods with rectangular cross sections have been successfully prepared in high yield via a hydrothermal reduction process at a low temperature. Ascorbic acid acts as both the complexing agent and reducer, so it plays an important role for the growth of nanorods. The highly crystalline filaments exhibit the face-centered cubic structure, growing mainly along the [ 1 1 ̄ 0 ] directions. An interesting red-shift was observed in the optical absorption measurement due to the nanorods with rectangular cross sections. XRD, SEM, TEM, electron diffraction, and UV–visible spectroscopy were used to characterize these copper nanorods.