Preparation of nanocrystalline Cu2O and its catalytic performance for degradation of methyl orange

The nanocrystalline Cu₂O have been successfully prepared by the solvothermal method using CuSO₄·5H₂O and NaOH as the starting materials and glucose as the reducing agent. The Cu₂O prepared were characterized by X-ray Diffraction(XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy(TEM). The degradation of methyl orange in Cu₂O suspension without lights and stirring is investigated, the rate of degradation is more than 96% in the best catalytic condition.