Controllable synthesis of cuprite (Cu ₂ O) microcrystals and their shape‐dependent photocatalytic performances

Microcrystals of cuprite (Cu ₂ O) samples exhibiting octahedral and spherical morphologies were synthesised via a facile chemical method and were then characterised by X‐ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that the potassium sodium tartrate (KNaC ₄ H ₄ O ₆ ·4H ₂ O, PST) and gelatin addition had a prominent effect on the morphologies. The possible formation mechanism of Cu ₂ O microcrystals was discussed based on the effects of PST and gelatin. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activities of the prepared Cu ₂ O microcrystals were investigated by UV–vis spectrophotometry, demonstrating that their behavior was influenced by the different morphologies, and the Cu ₂ O microspheres possessed the highest activity.