Cuprous oxide, with the chemical formula Cu2O, is a monovalent copper oxide, a bright red powder solid, almost insoluble in water, disproportionate to divalent copper and copper in acidic solution, and gradually oxidized to black cupric oxide in humid air. Density 6.0g/mL, melting point 1235℃, boiling point 1800℃, refractive index 2.705, flash point 1800℃.

Copper oxide is an inorganic substance with the chemical formula CuO. It is a black oxide of copper, slightly amphoteric and slightly hygroscopic. Physical properties: black or brown-black powder; density: 6.31g/cm3; melting point: 1446℃.

Copper (Cu), cuprous oxide (Cu2O) and cupric oxide (CuO) as important materials have shown a wide range of applications in terms of their respective characteristics and properties.

 
The unit cell structure of Cu2O

First of all, copper, as an excellent conductive metal, is widely used in the dry electronics industry, such as wires, cables and circuit boards. At the same time, due to its good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, copper also has important applications in the fields of architecture and construction engineering, used in HVAC systems, pipes and roofing materials. In addition, copper also plays an important role in manufacturing, decorations and artworks.

In contrast, cuprous oxide (Cu2O) has semiconductor properties, so it has been widely used in the field of photovoltaics and solar cells, which can absorb light energy and generate current. In addition, Cu2O is also used to make sensors, such as gas sensors and humidity sensors, and plays an auxiliary role in optical applications such as dye-sensitized solar cells and optical sensors.

Copper oxide (CuO) shows different application prospects. It has semiconductor properties and can be used to make electronic devices such as transistors, diodes and photodiodes. At the same time, CuO can also be used as a positive electrode material for lithium-ion batteries, providing high capacity and long cycle life, and it also has important applications in catalysts, dyes and pigments. In short, copper, cuprous oxide and cupric oxide play an important role in many fields, such as electronics, energy, sensors, manufacturing and the chemical industry, providing an important material basis for the development and innovation of various industries and becoming an important force to promote social progress.

 
Flake nano copper oxide

1. Electronic properties of cuprous oxide Cu2O, cupric oxide (CuO) and Cu

Copper (Cu) is a typical metal element with the following electronic properties: Electrical conductivity: Copper has high electrical conductivity and is one of the metals with good electrical conductivity. This is because there is an unfilled 4s orbital and a full 3d orbital in the electron cloud structure of copper, which allows electrons to move freely and form an electric current. Thermal conductivity: Copper has good thermal conductivity, which means that it can transfer heat efficiently. This is because the free electrons in copper can transfer thermal energy through collisions.

Cuprous oxide Cu2O and cupric oxide (CuO) are compounds formed by the chemical reaction of copper and oxygen, and their electronic properties are different from those of copper.

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O): Cu2O is a semiconductor material with an electrical conductivity between metals and insulators. In Cu2O, copper ions (Cu+) and oxygen ions (02-) are combined in the form of ionic bonds to form a lattice structure. The electronic band structure of Cu2O includes a valence band and conduction band, in which the conduction band is empty, and the electrons in the valence band cannot move freely, resulting in low conductivity.

Copper oxide (CuO): CuO is also a semiconductor material, and its conductivity is slightly lower than that of Cu2O. The electronic structure of CuO is more complex than that of Cu2O, including multiple energy bands and energy levels. In CuO, copper ions (Cu2+) and oxygen ions (O2-) are combined in the form of ionic bonds to form a lattice structure. There is a band gap between the conduction band and the valence band of CuO, which makes it impossible for electrons to conduct freely.

Copper has good electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, while cuprous oxide Cu2O and copper oxide (CuO) as compounds show the electrical conductivity characteristics of semiconductors, and their electrical conductivity is relatively low.

 
Electron microscope image of nano copper oxide

2. Application of copper and its oxides in energy conversion and storage

Copper (Cu)
Copper is a good conductive material and is used in solar cells, lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. In solar cells, copper can be used as an electrode material or a connecting material. In lithium-ion batteries, copper can be used as a current collector or an electrode material. In supercapacitors, copper can be used as an electrode material or a connecting material. In addition, copper can also be used to prepare thermoelectric materials and photovoltaic materials.

Cuprous Oxide Cu2O
Cuprous oxide is a good photoelectric conversion material and is used in solar cells and photoelectric catalysis. In solar cells, Cu2O can be used as a photoanode material to form a photocell with a conductor photocathode material. In photoelectric catalysis, Cu2O can be used as a photocatalyst to convert light energy into electrical energy.

Copper Oxide (CuO)
Copper oxide is an excellent negative electrode material for lithium-ion batteries and is used in lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. In lithium-ion batteries, CuO can be used as a negative electrode material with high specific capacity and long cycle life. In supercapacitors, CuO can be used as an electrode material with high specific capacitance and good cycle stability.

Copper, cuprous oxide and cupric oxide are widely used in the fields of energy conversion and storage. Their applications in solar cells, lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors show their important role in the fields of renewable energy and clean energy.

 
Nano cuprous oxide particles

3. Research progress of Cu, Cu2O and CuO as sensor materials

Cu copper materials have good electrical and thermal conductivity and are used in gas sensing, biosensing and optical sensing. In recent years, researchers have used nano-copper materials to prepare highly sensitive gas sensors, which can detect harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde. In addition, copper materials can also be used in the preparation of biosensors to detect biomolecules through specific recognition biomolecules.

Cu2O cuprous oxide is a good photoelectric conversion material and is used in optical sensing, photoelectrocatalysis and biosensing. Researchers have used Cu2O to prepare highly sensitive optical sensors, which can detect gases, liquids and biomolecules. In addition, Cu2O can also be used as a catalyst for photoelectrocatalytic reactions to convert light energy into chemical energy. Cu2O can also be used in the preparation of biosensors to detect biomolecules through specific recognition with biomolecules.

CuO copper oxide is a good gas-sensitive material and is used in gas sensing, biosensing and optical sensing. Researchers have used CuO to prepare highly sensitive gas sensors that can detect harmful gases such as formaldehyde and sulfur dioxide. In addition, CuO can also be used in the preparation of biosensors to detect biomolecules through specific recognition with biomolecules. CuO can also be used in the preparation of optical sensors to detect substances in the environment through the surface plasmon resonance effect.

Copper, cuprous oxide and cupric oxide have broad application prospects in the field of sensors. With the continuous development of nanotechnology and biotechnology, the application of these materials in the field of sensors will become more and more extensive.

TRUNNANO Spherical Nano Cuprous Oxide CAS: 1317-39-1
 

Supplier of Nano Cuprous Oxide Powder
 

TRUNNANO is a globally recognized manufacturer and supplier of compounds with more than 12 years of expertise in the highest quality nanomaterials and other chemicals. The company develops a variety of powder materials and chemicals. Provide OEM service. If you need high quality Nano Cuprous Oxide, please feel free to contact us. You can click on the product to contact us.(sales8@nanotrun.com)

Tags:cu2o,copper oxide,copper oxide cuo