Structure, microstructure and photocatalytic properties of embedded spherical Cu nanoparticles on Cu2O–SiO2
Nanosized spherical copper particle embedded on oxide matrix (Cunp-Cu2O/SiO2) is synthesized from a low cost chalcopyrite concentrate. The concentrate is reduced by hydrogen at 1323 K, followed by acid leaching to produce Cunp-Cu2O/SiO2. Powder X-ray diffraction confirms the formation of metallic copper as the principal phase along with oxides of silicon and copper. The weight fractions of Cu, SiO
