Polyhedral Cu2O particles: shape evolution and catalytic activity on cross-coupling reaction of iodobenzene and phenol

In this study, we have successfully achieved a systematic and precise shape control of Cu2O nano- and microcrystals in alkaline aqueous solution using ascorbic acid (Vc) as the reductant. A morphological evolution of Cu2O polyhedra from cubic to 18-facet octahedral, small Rhombicuboctahedral (sR), 50-facet polyhedral and truncated octahedral could be attained by increasing the concentration of NaOH in the range of 0.05 to 2.0 mol L−1. In order to prepare octahedral particles, ethanol was added to the alkaline solution. The morphological evolution was interpreted from both a geometrical point of view and the variant affinity between OH− and different crystalline planes. The shape- and size-dependent catalytic activity of the as-prepared Cu2O polyhedral particles was examined on the cross-coupling reaction of iodobenzene and phenol.