Synthesis and characterization of urchin-like CuO nanorod/TiCu-based metallic glass core-shell powders with surface photovoltage performance

The core-shell urchin-like powders (i.e. the microsized core composed of the residual metallic glass matrix powders and short CuO nanorod as the shell) were obtained through selective hydrothermal dealloying and annealed oxidation methods. TiCu-based metallic glass powders were used as precursors. Furthermore, the morphology and photoelectric conversion property of urchin-like CuO nanorod/metallic matrix powders were comprehensively investigated. These core-shell powders possess considerable surface photovoltage properties, and the sample annealed at 500 degrees C in air exhibits optimal surface photoelectric responses in visible light range (similar to 600 nm). The surface photovoltage property was determined by the synergistic effect of crystallinity and surface morphology for the CuO phase. This study provides a strategy for in-situ synthesis of novel micro-nano-sized core-shell functional materials using facile dealloying and annealing of multiple-component alloys. The advantage of obtained products will further accelerate their applications in the green industry since this kind of micro-nano-sized powder material is easy to separate and recycle.