Crystallisation of cuprous oxide

In this paper, we briefly review the recent research on crystallisation of cuprous oxide (Cu2O). Cu2O is an important semiconductor with cubic crystal structure and many applications in solar cell, catalysis, sensor, photonic crystals, etc. {100}, {111} and {110} surface structures of Cu2O are very important for controlling crystallisation. Different synthetic methods such as oxidation and reduction methods, together with different experimental parameters, size– and shape–controlled Cu2O crystals are summarised. The mechanisms underlying the crystallisation of Cu2O crystals are also highlighted. Our current work shows that Cu2O is a good model material to study crystallisation of inorganic materials.