Template-free synthesis of mesoporous CuO dandelion structures for optoelectronic applications.

A simple template-free hydrothermal route was used for the synthesis of novel mesoporous CuO dandelion structures formed by self-organized CuO nanorods. A very high surface area approximately 325 m(2)/g and remarkably enhanced photoconductivity under white light irradiation of the CuO dandelions were observed compared to the nanocrystals. The extremely high photoconductivity is attributed to the presence of oxygen related hole-trap states at the large surface area of the dandelions. The fast response (tau = 24 s) of the photocurrent holds promise for the fast photo-sensing device applications.