Template Effect of Hydrophobically Associating Polymers on theConstruction of Cuprous Oxide Micro Structure

To determine the template effect of hydrophobically associating copolymers(HACPs) on the morphology of nano/micro structures, six HACPs were synthesized and used as templates to biomimetically synthesize cuprous oxide(Cu₂O), an important semiconductor. This experiment showed a clear relationship between the associating state of the HACP molecules and the morphology of the Cu₂O particles. Cu₂O hollow spheres were preferentially prepared when the HACP molecules were in an intramolecular associating state. Furthermore, a Cu₂O hexapod was easily obtained when the HACP molecules were in an intermolecular associating state. The morphologies of the Cu₂O crystals prepared in the presence of the HACPs also confirmed this result.