ISSN print edition: 0366-6352
ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075
Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7

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Structural, spectroscopic, and interfacial electronic characteristics of Ag-modified CuO nanostructures synthesized via a plant-mediated route

Lakkappa B. Anigol, Leena V. Hublikar, Sharanabasava V. Ganachari, and Prabhuodeyara M. Gurubasavaraj

Department of Chemistry, Rani Channamma University, Belagavi, India

Received: 18 March 2026 Accepted: 26 May 2026

Abstract:

CuO and Ag-modified CuO nanostructures were synthesized via a plant-mediated route and systematically investigated to understand the influence of Ag on structural and interfacial electronic properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of monoclinic CuO, with crystallite sizes of ~ 30 nm for pristine CuO and ~ 22 nm for Ag-modified CuO, indicating reduced crystal growth upon Ag incorporation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed Cu–O vibrations in the 500–600 cm⁻¹ region along with surface functional groups originating from phytochemicals. UV–Visible spectroscopy showed enhanced visible-light absorption and surface plasmon resonance features in the Ag-modified system. The optical band gap decreased from 1.85 eV (CuO) to 1.65 eV (Ag–CuO), reflecting modified interfacial electronic structure. Electrochemical studies demonstrated improved charge-transfer behavior, with the onset potential increasing from 0.73 to 0.83 V and the half-wave potential (E₁/₂) from 0.63 to 0.73 V. Enhanced current response and additional redox features further confirm increased electroactive surface sites. These results establish a clear relationship between structural modification and interfacial electronic properties, highlighting the role of Ag in tuning charge-transfer processes in CuO nanostructures.

Keywords: Ag-modified CuO; Metal–oxide nanostructures; Structural characterization; Spectroscopic analysis; Electronic structure; Charge-transfer behavior

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-026-05123-7

Chemical Papers 80 (10) 12161–12173 (2026)

Tuesday, September 22, 2026