Synthesis of a new binuclear Cu(II) complex: A precise sensor for H2O2 and a proper precursor for preparation of the CuO nanoparticles

Abstract

A novel binuclear Cu(II) complex based on ferrocene dicarboxylate was synthesized through ultrasonic and solvothermal processes and its structure confirmed by spectroscopy (IR), ultraviolet-visible spectrum (UV–Vis) and powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD). Structural characterization of the complex was performed through single-crystal X-ray diffraction and thermal stability of it was perused via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The title Cu(II) complex was used as an effective sensor for H2O2. The electrochemical method is one of the most effective methods for material sensing. In many electrochemical techniques to increase the efficiency of activity, the electrochemically active agent is supported on a substrate. Instead of using substrate, the chemical active agent can be applied as a part of the complex structure. In this work, ferrocene dicarboxylate as an active agent in the Cu(II) complex has been used for sensing of H2O2. Due to the effect of particle size on electrochemical activity, the nano-sized complex was synthesized by ultrasonic technique (as an environmentally friendly method) and also, CuO nanoparticles were also obtained by thermal decomposition of ultrasonic treated complex at 500 °C. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As well as, they were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and elemental mapping.