Epitaxial growth of Cu2O (111) by electrodeposition

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O)(111) crystals have been prepared at 65 degrees C in weak acidic media (pH 4.7) by electrodeposition. The morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis was used for investigation of the crystal phase. When a low cathodic current, -0.5 mA/cm(2), was applied crystals formed on platinum electrode having only one phase, Cu2O (111), and cuprous oxide was epitaxially grown with a triangular structure of (111) phase although the electrolysis time was different. The role of a local enhancement of pH at the cathode is observed to have facilitated the deposition of Cu2O in weak acidic solution. (C) 1999 The Electrochemical Society. S1099-0062(99)06-113-1. All rights reserved.