Synthesis and Characterization of Copper-Based Aerogel

Copper-based aerogel was prepared by sol-gel method using inorganic salt as precursor. The morphology of copper-based aerogels was evaluated by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The results suggest that the aerogels are made up of three-dimensional porous structure. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns show that the as prepared copper-based aerogel belongs to amorphous material. The calcination of the as prepared aerogels at different temperatures induces a phase change which results in the formation of a copper oxide aerogel. The N₂ adsorption/desorption shows that the copper-based aerogel has a high surface area.