Preparation of CuO mesocrystals via antlerite intermediate for photocatalytic applications

CuO mesocrystals were synthesized by thermal decomposition of antlerite (Cu 3 (OH) 4 SO 4 ) formed as an intermediate by the reaction between CuSO 4 .5H 2 O and urea under specific experimental conditions. Antlerite possessing spindles of sea urchin‐like morphology was obtained via controlled hydrolysis process using ethylene glycol as a co‐solvent. Antlerite and CuO mesocrystals were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform‐infrared spectrum (FT‐IR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). A probable mechanism for formation of such morphologies has been proposed. The photocatalytic and optical properties of CuO mesocrystals were also evaluated.