Synthesis of cuprous oxide nanocomposite electrodes by room-temperature chemical partial reduction

We demonstrate a template-free synthetic approach for the preparation of a highly conductive Cu/Cu₂O nanocomposite electrode by a chemical reduction process. Cu₂O octahedra were prepared through chemical dehydrogenation of as-synthesized Cu(OH)₂ nanowire precursors. To provide a sufficiently electron-conducting network, the Cu₂O particles were transformed into Cu/Cu₂O nanocomposites by an intentional reduction process. The Cu/Cu₂O nanocomposite electrodes showed enhanced cycling performance compared to Cu₂O particles. Furthermore, their rate capabilities were superior to those of their mechanically mixed Cu/Cu₂O counterparts. This enhanced electrochemical performance of the hybrid Cu/Cu₂O nanocomposites was ascribed to the formation of homogeneous nanostructures, offering an efficient electron-transport path provided by the presence of highly dispersed Cu nanoparticles.