Copper Nanoclusters on Carbon Supports for the Electrochemical Oxidation and Detection of Hydrazine

Abstract

AbstractOwing to the definite composition and unique properties, metal nanoclusters have attracted much attention in recent years. In this work, we design a simple one‐pot chemical method to synthesize a new type of copper clusters. The structures and composition of the clusters are characterized by using various techniques. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry characterizations clearly show that the product is mainly composed of a seven‐copper‐atom core and three thiolate ligands with the formula of Cu7(C7H5O2S)3−, together with four‐ and six‐copper‐atom clusters. On the other hand, direct hydrazine fuel cells have attracted extensive research interests and more and more efforts have been devoted into the development of novel catalysts for the electrochemical oxidation and detection of hydrazine. Here, we investigate the electrocatalytic performance of the copper clusters towards the oxidation and detection of hydrazine. Electrochemical studies display that the synthesized cluster compounds supported on activated carbon show an onset potential of −0.42 V and a current density of 20 mA cm−2 at the potential of 0.36 V for the oxidation of hydrazine. Meanwhile, the copper clusters show a limit of detection of 1.04 μm and a sensitivity of 0.408 mA cm−2 mm−1 in the detection of hydrazine. These studies clearly demonstrate that the as‐synthesized copper clusters exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance for the oxidation and detection of hydrazine. Notably, the catalytic performance is superior to the previously reported Cu‐based or Ni‐based, and even noble‐metal‐based, catalysts.