Cu₂O crystal nuclei were fabricated by using NaBH₄ as a strong reductant in a CuSO₄ solution, from which Cu₂O cubes were then prepared gradually by employing glucose as a gentle reductant and a capping agent. Spherical copper sulfide (Cu_xS) nanocages were synthesized by using Cu₂O nanocubes as templates. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction pattern and UV-Vis spectrum were utilized to characterize the products. The molar ratio of glucose to cupper salt, heating conditions and pH influence the morphology of Cu₂O nanoparticles. The shell thickness of the Cu_xS nanocages could be controlled by adjusting the molar ratio of involved Cu₂O to Na₂S.

Key words: cube, Cu₂O, glucose, template, nanocage