Fabrication of truncated rhombic dodecahedral Cu2O nanocages and nanoframes

We report a simple approach for the fabrication of cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) nanocages and nanoframes. An aqueous solution of CuCl₂, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant, NH₂OH·HCl reductant, HCl, and NaOH was prepared with reagents introduced in the order listed. Rapid seed particle aggregation and surface reconstruction of the intermediate structures resulted in the growth of type I nanoframes with just the {110} skeleton faces and empty {100} faces 45 minutes after mixing the reagents. Continued crystal growth for additional 75 min produced the nanocages with filled {100} faces. The nanocages have diameters of 350-400 nm, and their walls are thicker than those of the nanoframes. Selective acidic etching over the {110} faces of the nanocages by HCl via the addition of ethanol and then sonication of the solution led to the formation of type II nanoframes with elliptical pores on the {110} faces. The morphologies of these nanoframes have been carefully examined by electron microscopy. Without adding ethanol, random etching of the nanocages can occur at a slow rate. These composite materials should display interesting properties and functions.