Electrochemical Synthesis of Nanostructured Cupric Oxide (CuO) Using Oxidizers for Energy devices

This research introduces a rapid and controllable electrochemical strategy for synthesizing cupric oxide (CuO) nanostructures using potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) as an oxidant under a constant electric potential at 75 °C for three hours. The influence of applied voltage polarity on phase evolution, oxidation state, and morphology was systematically investigated. At a positive bias of +Δ5V, the copper substrate was fully oxidized into stoichiometric CuO, as verified by sharp XRD reflections, Raman-active Cu–O modes, and EDS spectra dominated by Cu–O composition. The crystallite size was calculated to be approximately 10.3±0.5 nm confirming the formation of nanocrystalline CuO. In contrast, the plate at a negative bias of –Δ5V produced morphology-specific nanorods and nanocubes, accompanied by the emergence of copper manganite (CuMn₂O₄), as confirmed by the characteristic XRD peak at 40.6° and EDS analysis, alongside residual Mn and Cu phases.  Without applied electric potential; KMnO₄ as oxidant (Δ0V) conditions showed incomplete transformation, highlighting the crucial role of electric field polarity, while the positive bias dissolved and full conversion to black CuO nanostructures. This integrated approach combining redox chemistry, thermal energy, and electrochemical control offers a scalable and rapid route for the synthesis of high-quality CuO and CuMn₂O₄ which holds promise for the fabrication of other metal oxides for catalysis, energy storage, and semiconductor applications.