Synthesis of pyramidal copper nanoparticles on gold substrate

A single-step electrodeposition approach for the synthesis of pyramidal copper nanoparticles (NPs) supported on a gold substrate, is discussed. Copper NPs were synthesized on a cleaned Au substrate by immersing it in copper ion containing solution. The solution was prepared from copper tetrafluorobrorate hydrate and dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid sodium salt (DBSA) used as precursor and capping reagents, respectively. It was observed that the morphology of Cu NPs depend on the ratio of the concentration of surfactant/precursor and deposition time. This method provides a simple and versatile path to fabricate anisotropic nanomaterials with novel architecture. Controlled shape of copper particles can have wide applicability for exploiting highly sensitive, real-time electrode-based sensor for chemical and biological species, and catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons and alcohols for fuel cells.