Using Electrodeposition of Carboxylated Chitosan for Green Preparation of Copper Nanoclusters and Nanocomposite Films

On the basis of coordinated electrodeposition of carboxylated chitosan (CCS), we presented a green method to prepare Cu NCs and Cu NCs/CCS nanocomposite films. The method shows a range of benefits, such as the convenient and eco-friendly process, mild conditions, and simple post-treatment. The experimental results reveal that a homogeneous deposited film (Cu NCs/CCS nanocomposite film) is generated on the Cu plate (the anode) after electrodeposition, which exhibits an obvious red florescence. The results from TEM observation suggest there are nanoparticles (with the average particle size of 2.3 nm) in the deposited film. Spectral analysis results both demonstrate the existence of Cu NCs in the deposited film. Moreover, the Cu NCs/CCS film modified electrode is directly created through electrodeposition of CCS, which enables promising application in the electrochemical sensing. By means of fluorescence properties of Cu NCs, the Cu NCs/CCS film also owns the potential in fluorescence detection. Therefore, this work builds a novel method for the green synthesis of Cu NCs, meanwhile it offers a convenient and new electrodeposition strategy to prepare polysaccharide-based Cu NCs nanocomposites for uses in functional nanocomposites and bioelectronic devices.