CuO single crystal with exposed {001} facets - A highly efficient material for gas sensing and Li-ion battery applications

Single crystal copper oxide nanoplatelets with a high percentage of {001} facets were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal approach. The as-prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high resolution transmission microscopy. Via density functional theory calculations, it was found that the {001} facets are active crystal planes. When the single crystal CuO nanoplatelets were applied as an anode material in Li-ion batteries, they demonstrated outstanding electrochemical performance with high lithium storage capacity, satisfactory cyclability, and excellent high rate capacity. When used as a sensing material in gas sensors, they exhibited a superior sensitivity towards toxic and flammable gases.