Template-free hydrothermal method for the synthesis of multi-walled CuO nanotubes

Multi-walled CuO nanotubes (NTs) were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method followed by a low temperature thermal oxidation process without the use of any catalysts, surfactants or substrates. Pure multi-walled CuO NTs were obtained after hydrothermal treatment at 100 degrees C followed by a calcination process at 400 degrees C. It was shown that the obtained multi-walled CuO NTs with high purity and crystallinity had 3 nm inner and 7 nm outer diameters and showed a strong antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.