One-step and green synthesis of novel hierarchical hydrangea flower-like CuO nanostructures with enhanced photocatalytic activity

We present a one-step, environmentally-friendly and surfactant-free route to prepare the novel hierarchical hydrangea flower-like CuO nanostructures . The product simply uses copper acetate and sodium carbonate as the raw material, rather than any toxic and dangerous reagents, which is very important for safe, large-scale production. Based on the nucleation and self-assembly process, the possible formation mechanism is proposed. In addition, the product exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity in the catalytic degradation of toxic organic dyes and moreover, shows good stability and reusability under visible light irradiation. It can be expected to be used for dye-containing wastewater treatment.