A plasma-assisted approach for the controlled dispersion of CuO aggregates into β iron(iii) oxide matrices

β-Fe2O3/CuO nanosystems were synthesised by using a two-step plasma-assisted strategy. β-Fe2O3 nanostructures (host) were initially deposited by plasma assisted-chemical vapour deposition (PA-CVD) on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates. Subsequently, CuO nanoparticles (NPs, guest) were over-deposited on host matrices by means of radio frequency (RF) sputtering under mild conditions. The combined use of structural, morphological and chemical analyses evidenced the formation of pure and homogeneous β-Fe2O3/CuO systems possessing a high dispersion of CuO NPs in/on β-Fe2O3 hosts. The target nanomaterials were characterized by an intimate contact between the two oxides, with CuO NP size and tuneable content as a function of sputtering time. These features, along with the tailored nano-organization, make the present β-Fe2O3/CuO nanosystems attractive candidates for diverse technological applications involving solar light harvesting.