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.