Topotactic electron induced and thermal decomposition of copper(II) hydroxide

Abstract

The decomposition of Cu(OH)2 on electron irradiation and thermal treatment has been investigated by X-ray diffraction, thermo-analytical and electron microscopic methods. A sudden, reversible elongation of the c axis of Cu(OH)2 at about 50°C has been found and the topotactic relation between Cu(OH)2, CuO and Cu2O established. The reaction is one-dimensionally controlled, as only one crystallographic axis of the initial hydroxide is conserved as a structural element throughout the decomposition reaction.