Structure and size effect of CuO nanowires prepared by low temperature solid-phase process

Abstract CuO nanowires with an average diameter of 10 nm, and lengths of up to 1000 nm were synthesized by a solid-phase approach in the presence of shape control agent, PEG 600. The as-prepared CuO nanowires were characterized by XRD, TEM, SAED and HRTEM techniques. The Raman optical property of the CuO nanowires was investigated by Raman spectroscopy, indicating that the Raman peaks are broadened and red-shifted 23 cm − 1 compared with that of bulk CuO crystals. A rational explanation for the red-shifted and broaden of Raman peaks was discussed in detail according to phonon confinement model of an infinite crystal.