Growth habit and habit variation of γ-CuI crystallites under hydrothermal conditions

The octahedra were observed in the γ-CuI crystallites synthesized by hydrothermal method using 1.6g (C2H5OO)2Cu and 2.66g KI as precursors at 200°C for 12 hours in the de-ionized water. The effect of additives on the morphology of γ-CuI crystallites was investigated. Results show that the morphology of γ-CuI crystallites prepared in the mixed solution of de-ionized water and alcohol at 200°C for 12 hours is the tetrahedron. In order to disclose the effect of the additive on the growth habit of γ-CuI crystallites, the microcosmic growth mechanism of γ-CuI crystal is investigated from the complex of I and Cu+ ions to each other. It is concluded that the effect of alcohol on the morphology of γ-CuI crystallites is carried out through changing the relative rate of complex of anion and cation to each other at the interface. Based on the above analysis, the growth habit of γ-CuI crystallites and the habit variation under hydrothermal conditions are explained reasonably.