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

Cu2O (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 Cu2O nano cubes shows uniform size with the average edge length of 30 nm. The Cu2O nano cubes show much higher catalytic effects than spherical shaped Cu2O commercial powders. A part of Cu2O was changed to CuO phase in the air. The freshly prepared Cu2O 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 Cu2O phase.