Ultrathin CuO nanorods: controllable synthesis and superior catalytic properties in styrene epoxidation.

Ultrathin copper oxide (CuO) nanorods with diameters of ∼3.6 nm were obtained in one step using oleylamine (OAm) as both the solvent and the surface controller. The oriented attachment is responsible for the formation of the ultrathin CuO nanorods. Furthermore, this ultrathin nanostructure catalyst exhibited excellent activity and high styrene oxide yields in styrene epoxidation.