Copper Oxide Nanosheets Research Articles

Ultrahigh Peroxymonosulfate Utilization Efficiency over CuO Nanosheets via Heterogeneous Cu(III) Formation and Preferential Electron Transfer during Degradation of Phenols.

In persulfate activation by copper-based catalysts, high-valent copper (Cu(III)) is an overlooked reactive intermediate that contributes to efficient persulfate utilization and organic pollutant removal. However, the mechanisms underlying heterogeneous activation and enhanced persulfate utilization are not fully understood. Here, copper oxide (CuO) nanosheets (synthesized with a facile precipitation method) exhibited high catalytic activity for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation with 100% 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) degradation within 3 min. Evidence for the critical role of surface-associated Cu(III) on PMS activation and 4-CP degradation over a wide pH range (pH 3-10) was obtained using in situ Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and quenching tests. Cu(III) directly oxidized 4-CP and other phenolic pollutants, with rate constants inversely proportional to their ionization potentials. Cu(III) preferentially oxidizes 4-CP rather than react with two PMS molecules to generate one molecule of 1O2, thus minimizing this less efficient PMS utilization pathway. Accordingly, a much higher PMS utilization efficiency (77% of electrons accepted by PMS ascribed to 4-CP mineralization) was obtained with CuO/PMS than with a radical pathway-dominated Co3O4/PMS system (27%) or with the 1O2 pathway-dominated α-MnO2/PMS system (26%). Overall, these results highlight the potential benefits of PMS activation via heterogeneous high-valent copper oxidation and offer mechanistic insight into ultrahigh PMS utilization efficiency for organic pollutant removal.

Molecularly imprinted polypyrrole@CuO nanocomposite as an in-tube solid-phase microextraction coating for selective extraction of carbamazepine from biological samples

A nanocomposite of molecularly imprinted polypyrrole on copper oxide (MIP@CuO) was introduced as a new coating for in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME). The method coupled with HPLC-UV was successfully applied for analysis of carbamazepine (anticonvulsant and bipolar disorder medication) in biological samples. First, in order to increase the surface area and stability of the coating, copper oxide (CuO) nanosheets were synthesized on the inner surface of a copper tube using a chemical method. Then, molecularly imprinted polypyrrole coating (using carbamazepine as a template) was deposited on CuO by a facile in-situ electrodeposition method. According to the results, The MIP@CuO coating shows long life time, enhanced extraction efficiency, and good clean-up, for pre-concentration and determination of carbamazepine in biological samples. The synthesized adsorbent also showed high selectivity to carbamazepine compared to other drugs with similar structure. Important factors affecting the extraction efficiency of the analyte in the in-tube SPME method, such as salt concentration, extraction and desorption times, flowrates of the sample solution, and eluent, were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the method showed good linearity for carbamazepine in the range of 0.05–500 μg L−1, 0.10–500 μg L−1, and 0.10–500 μg L−1 in water, urine, and plasma samples, respectively, with coefficients of determination better than 0.996. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.01−0.05 μg L−1 in different matrices. The intra- and inter-assay precisions (RSD%, n = 3) were in the range of 6.7–8.1 % and 7.1–9.5 %, respectively.

Design of transition metal oxides nanosheets for the direct electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose

The design of the morphology-controlled synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal oxides nanomaterials is a key for electrochemical oxidation of glucose. Herein, a general preparation method is adopted to develop a variety of transition metal oxides nanosheets, including cobalt oxide nanosheets (Co3O4 NS), nickel oxide nanosheets (NiO NS), copper oxide nanosheets (CuO NS), and iron oxide nanosheets (Fe3O4 NS) through a chemical reduction method followed by a hydrothermal strategy. The surface morphological characterization is performed by using transmission electron microscopic (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM), and atomic force microscopic (AFM) measurements, revealed the two-dimensional nanosheets-like metal oxides formed. The as-developed transition metal oxide nanosheets are employed as electrocatalysts for the improved oxidation of glucose under alkaline electrolyte. The NiO nanosheets delivers best catalytic current density of ~3.1 mA cm−2 which is over- ~1.7- and ~2.6- times higher with a less positive potential, respectively in comparison to Co3O4 nanosheets and CuO nanosheets based electrodes. The morphological engineered two-dimensional nanosheets exhibit high electrochemical active sites, fast electron transfer kinetics, etc. towards the glucose oxidation reaction (GOR).

Green synthesis of multifunctional carbon coated copper oxide nanosheets and their photocatalytic and antibacterial activities

The studies of metal oxides in environmental remediation of chemical and biological pollutants are gaining colossal importance. Herein, we report the facile synthesis of multifunctional copper oxide nanosheets (CuO NS) using an aqueous extract of Rhazya stricta. The phytochemical investigation of R. stricta indicated the presence of saponins, tannins, and reducing sugars, responsible for the reduction and stabilization of CuO NS. A UV–Visible spectrophotometer initially confirmed the fabrication of CuO NS with specific Surface Plasmon Resonance at 294 nm. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR, and XRD were further used to characterize the CuO NS. The obtained CuO NS were poly-dispersed with an average size of 20 nm. Interestingly these particles were aligned together in 3D cubical sheets layered above each other via self-assembly. The as-synthesized CuO NS showed enhanced antibacterial potential (17.63 mm, overall mean inhibition zone) in comparison to the known antibiotics (11.51 mm, overall mean inhibition zone) against both Solanaceous crop's wilt-causing bacteria (Ralstonia solanacearum and Clavibacter michiganensis). Furthermore, the appreciable photocatalytic potential of CuO NS has also been observed, causing 83% degradation of methylene blue (MB) upon solar irradiation. The synthesis methodology is devoid of any toxic waste or by-products. It could be used to produce eco-friendly CuO nanomaterial for industrial uses.

Controlled nanostructuring via aluminum doping in CuO nanosheets for enhanced thermoelectric performance

Abstract Copper oxide (CuO) nanosheets (NS) produced by the microwave chemical assisted route were reported to have attractive structural and thermoelectric (TE) properties. They possess the non-agglomeration property and have two-dimensional (2D) ultra-thin NS with a high Seebeck coefficient and relatively elevated electrical conductivity. This study controlled nanostructuring of CuO NS via aluminum (Al) doping has been investigated for its effect on this material's structural and TE performance. Various concentrations of aluminum (Al) in the range 0.5–5 mol% were incorporated in the host of CuO NS. Increasing the concentration of this dopant was observed to systematically reduce the size of the NS with no effect on their crystallinity. Moreover, the Seebeck coefficient of the Al-doped CuO NS was increased, while the electrical conductivity kept almost invariant. In sharp contracts, the thermal conductivity was significantly decreased, which results in an enhanced TE figure of merit, zT. The zT value was increased from around 0.004 for the pure CuO NS to approximately 0.09 for the 5 mol% Al-doped sample at room temperature. This broad difference was reduced by heating to 673 K, where the zT values for pure and 5 mol% Al-doped CuO NS recorded 0.2 and 0.9, respectively. The TE generated powers of designed modules from pure CuO NS and Al-doped CuO NS (5 mol%) were measured. The TE generated power from the Al-doped CuO NS (5 mol%) was 7 μW at 673 K, which is 5 times higher than that of the pure CuO NS sample. These results showed that the Al-doped CuO NS could be a promising TE nanomaterial.

SURFACTANT-FREE SYNTHESIS OF CARBON QUANTUM DOTS ADORNED COPPER OXIDE NANOCOMPOSITES AND THEIR PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF COMMERCIAL DYES BENEATH SUNLIGHT AND UV LIGHT SOURCES

At the present time report a fundamental course of action process for planning the Copper oxide (CuO) nanosheets and Carbon Quantum Dots loaded CuO (CQD/CuO) nanocomposites materials without utilizing a surfactant/position at low temperature. The crystalline structure and morphology of the CuO nanosheets and CQD/CuO nanocomposites materials were analyzed, utilizing XRD, FESEM, and TEM tiny strategies. The photocatalytic movement of CuO nanosheets and CQD/CuO nanocomposite materials on two specific commercial dyes, viz., Malachite Green (MG) and Methylene Blue (MB) dyes were assessed under UV light and ordinarily accessible sunlight sources. The concealing corruption level of MG concealing under sunshine edification is ∼17.7%, ∼ 94.8 %, and ∼100% and under UV light, ∼14.8%, 90.1%, and ∼100% for unadulterated shading, CuO nanosheets and CQD/CuO nanocomposites only. In MB shading, unadulterated shading, inside observing CuO nanosheets and CQD/CuO nanocomposite photocatalysts are ∼19.6%, ∼ 92.6 %, and ∼100% and ∼6%, 87.2% and ∼100% exclusively.

Synthesis of freestanding 2D CuO nanosheets at room temperature through a simple surfactant free co-precipitation process and its application as electrode material in supercapacitors

In this report, freestanding two dimensional copper oxide nanosheets (2D CuO NS) of size 0.9–1.3 µm and thickness 3–4 nm has been synthesized at room temperature by a surfactant free one pot co-precipitation process. The as synthesized 2D CuO nanosheets are found to have higher band gap of 2.1 eV than bulk CuO, owing to the quantum confinement effect. Electrochemical properties of the 2D CuO nanosheets are studied using two electrode configuration where considerably high specific capacitance (120 F/g), high energy density (26 Wh/kg) and power density (960 W/kg) are observed. Further improvement in the electrochemical performance of the supercapacitor device has been achieved by decorating 2D CuO nanosheets on electrically conductive reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The specific capacitance and energy density of CuO NS/rGO nanocomposite is determined and found to be 235 F/g and 47 Wh/kg respectively which are significantly higher in comparison to that of pristine 2D CuO nanosheets. Moreover, the CuO NS/rGO nanocomposite also exhibit enhanced specific capacitance up to 438 F/g at a potential window between±1 V as observed from cyclic voltammetry study. The results clearly indicate that 2D copper oxide nanosheet based electrode materials are promising for applications in supercapacitor devices.

Copper oxide nanosheets prepared by facile microplasma electrochemical technique with photocatalytic and bactericidal activities

Copper oxide (CuO) nanostructures are synthesized via a simple and novel atmospheric pressure microplasma technique without using any surfactant. The effect of electrolyte concentration on structure, size, and morphology of CuO nanostructures has been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results revealed the formation of highly crystalline single phase CuO, exhibiting a monoclinic structure. SEM images have shown an interpenetrating self-assembled nanosheets (NS) with varying sizes. The energy bandgap of the samples is estimated between 2.0 and 2.73 eV. The antibacterial activity of CuO NS demonstrates significant bactericidal efficiency against gram-negative bacteria. In addition, these NS are checked for the degradation of organic dyes such as Rhodamine B and methyl orange under sunlight irradiation which showed significant degradation, indicating excellent photocatalytic activity. It has been found that CuO NS are promising material for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications because of its attractive photocatalytic and antibacterial properties.

Sulfite activation and tetracycline removal by rectangular copper oxide nanosheets with dominantly exposed (0 0 1) reactive facets: Performance, degradation pathway and mechanism

Copper(II) oxide with (001) facet-exposed nanosheets was prepared via a hydrothermal method. Due to exposure of the (001) facet, the CuO nanosheets exhibited remarkable catalytic activity towards sulfite activation and tetracycline (TC) degradation across a wide pH range (pH 3.00–9.00), with the degradation rate of TC at pH 4.51–9.00 reaching 87% in the first 5 min. This rapid degradation reaction followed the BMG kinetic model. The CuIIOH groups on the (001) facet of CuO adsorbed negative SO32− to form a CuIISO3− complex and generate SO3− radicals. Sulfite radicals were oxidized by dissolved oxygen to form SO5−, and then, SO5− transformed to SO4− and then HO. Both SO4− and HO were the main species involved in TC degradation. The utilization efficiency of sulfite reached almost 100%. After normalization of the degradation rate to the specific surface area, the degradation rate of TC in the current system was 4.84 times that obtained using a CuO nanosphere system. The potential degradation pathways of TC and the catalytic mechanism of the CuO catalyst are proposed.

Pristine and Antibiotic-Loaded Nanosheets/Nanoneedles-Based Boron Nitride Films as a Promising Platform to Suppress Bacterial and Fungal Infections.

In recent years, bacteria inactivation during their direct physical contact with surface nanotopography has become one of the promising strategies for fighting infection. Contact-killing ability has been reported for several nanostructured surfaces, e.g., black silicon, carbon nanotubes, zinc oxide nanorods, and copper oxide nanosheets. Herein, we demonstrate that Gram-negative antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria are killed as a result of their physical destruction while contacting nanostructured h-BN surfaces. BN films, made of spherical nanoparticles formed by numerous nanosheets and nanoneedles with a thickness <15 nm, have been obtained through a reaction of ammonia with amorphous boron. The contact-killing bactericidal effect of BN nanostructures has been compared with a toxic effect of gentamicin released from them. For a wider protection against bacterial and fungal infection, the films have been saturated with a mixture of gentamicin and amphotericin B. Such BN films demonstrate a high antibiotic/antimycotic agent loading capacity and a fast initial and sustained release of therapeutic agents for 170-260 h depending on the loaded dose. The pristine BN films possess high antibacterial activity against E. coli K-261 strain at their initial concentration of 104 cells/mL, attaining >99% inactivation of colony forming units after 24 h, same as gentamicin-loaded (150 μg/cm2) BN sample. The BN films loaded with a mixture of gentamicin (150 and 300 μg/cm2) and amphotericin B (100 μg/cm2) effectively inhibit the growth of E. coli K-261 and Neurospora crassa strains. During immersion in the normal saline solution, the BN film generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to accelerated oxidative stress at the site of physical cell damage. The obtained results are valuable for further development of nanostructured surfaces having contact killing, ROS, and biocide release abilities.

New correlations for investigating the melting of phase change material loading green synthesized CuO nanosheets in a spherical container: Experimental study

Abstract In this experimental study, the unconstrained melting process of nano-enhanced phase change material (NePCM) in a spherical container is investigated. For this purpose, the green synthesized copper oxide nanosheets (CuO NSs) as nanomaterial and paraffin wax as phase change material (PCM) is used. The density, thermal conductivity, and viscosity of the samples were measured. The factors of interest were melt fraction (f), Grashof number (Gr), Stefan number (Ste), Nusselt number (Nu), Fourier number (Fo), wall temperature (T, 65, 75 and 85 °C) and nanomaterial mass fraction (wt., 0.00, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.20%). Melt fraction was calculated and validated with a maximum deviation below 16% by using volume shrinkage and image processing methods. Results show that, at the wall temperature of 65 °C, the melting rate of the samples are the same; also, the total melting time for all samples at 65 °C are approximately 40 min, which is 15 and 20 min more extended than the wall temperatures of 75 °C and 85 °C cases. Nu number curves clarify that in the first 5 min of the melting, pure PCM graph is upper than other curves and becomes smoother as the CuO NSs loadings increase. Finally, the melt fraction and Nusselt number correlations are developed with a combination of f, T, Fo, Ste, and Gr. These proposed correlations are valid for the range of 0.002 ≤ FoSte ≤ 0.147 and 12400 ≤ Gr ≤ 169000. Based on the general suggested correlation, the squared correlation coefficient (R2) and mean absolute error (M.A.E.) values for the melt fraction, are 0.912 and 16.4%. Also, these values for the Nu number correlation, are 0.920 and 21%, respectively.

Copper oxide nanosheets and nanowires grown by one-step linear sweep voltammetry for supercapacitor application

Abstract Copper oxides nanosheets and nanowires were directly grown on a copper sheet by a single step voltammetry process in an alkaline solution. The transition from the out-of-plane nanosheets to high aspect ratio nanowires is triggered by the change in the voltage sweep rate. The scan rate changes the growth mechanism from nucleation and coarsening at the slow scan rate for nanosheets to an oriented oxide nanowire growth at high scan rates. Polycrystalline copper oxide nanostructures contain both Cu(I) and Cu(II) oxide phases, which were characterized by the FEG-SEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, and TEM analysis. The copper oxides nanosheets and nanowires electrodes delivered the maximum specific areal capacitance 320 mF cm−2, energy density 3.36 µWh cm−2 and, power density 1.7 mW cm−2 with capacitance retention of 115% up to 5000 cycles. The process presents a simple, low cost and scalable option for the preparation of binder-free copper oxides nanowires and nanosheets electrodes for supercapacitor application.

Ultra-Thin 2D CuO Nanosheet for HRP Immobilization Supported by Encapsulation in a Polymer Matrix: Characterization and Dye Degradation

Herein, we report the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) on a novel two-dimensional copper oxide nanosheet (CuONS) and supported by encapsulation in poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The morphological/chemical properties of the immobilized HRP on CuONS-PMMA were investigated and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. After optimizing the immobilization conditions, recovered HRP activity was 72.8% using 1% CuONS–PMMA. Reusing the immobilized enzyme for ten cycles indicated that 52% of its initial activity was retained. Moreover, the immobilization of HRP using this method led to a shift in its optimum pH from 7 to broad optimum 7–7.5 and optimum temperature from 40 °C to broad optimum 40–50 °C. Km values of free and immobilized HRP were 30 and 46.7 mM for guaiacol and 5.53 and 8.55 mM for H2O2, respectively. The immobilized HRP enzyme was more stable towards metal ions. The immobilized HRP was used for crystal violet, methyl green, and malachite green dyes degradation. The immobilized HRP showed significant improvement in the capacity for dye decolorization relative to free enzyme. Therefore, based on all the characteristics mentioned above, it may be suggested that the use of this technique for HRP immobilization appears to be promising for industrial applications. A schematic illustration of the immobilization process of HRP on CuONS/PMMA.

Size-controlled, single-crystal CuO nanosheets and the resulting polyethylene–carbon nanotube nanocomposite as antimicrobial materials

In this study, size-controlled single-crystal copper oxide nanosheets (CuO NSs) were fabricated by a microwave-assisted chemical method. Next, their nanocomposites with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) were fabricated. These nanocomposites were further reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of oil fly ash. The produced CuO NSs along with their polymer nanocomposites were evaluated as antimicrobial agents against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Significant microbial-growth inhibition was observed. This inhibition correlated with oxygen defects, free Cu2+ ion release, and a change in the lattice constant c. These factors were found to increase with the increased molar ratio of the precursors and might be responsible for formation of additional reactive oxygen species. Moreover, adding 1 wt% of CuO NSs and 0.5 wt% of CNTs enhanced the mechanical properties of HDPE by ~ 20%. These results indicate that it is possible to design polymer nanocomposites that have both antimicrobial and enhanced mechanical properties for various applications, mainly in the healthcare sector.

Semiconductor-to-conductor transition in 2D copper(ii) oxide nanosheets through surface sulfur-functionalization.

Functionalization is a widely-used strategy to modulate and optimize the properties of materials towards various applications, including sensing, catalysis, and energy generation. While the influence of sulfur-functionalization of carbon materials and oxides like ZnO and TiO2 has been studied, far less research has been devoted to analyzing sulfur-functionalization of CuO and other transition metal oxide nanomaterials. Here, we report sulfur-functionalization of copper(ii) oxide nanosheets synthesized by using a soft-templating procedure, with sulfur-addition based on hydrogen sulfide gas as a source. The resulting sulfur-functionalization does not change the overall crystal structure and morphology of the CuO nanosheets, but leads to a decrease in surface hydroxyl groups. Sulfur induces a semiconductor-to-conductor state transition of the CuO nanosheets, which is supported by computational modeling. The metallic transition results from shifting of the Fermi level into the valence band due to formation of Cu-S bonds on the surface of the CuO nanosheets.

Development and antibacterial activities of bacterial cellulose/graphene oxide-CuO nanocomposite films

The absence of antibacterial activity of bacterial cellulose (BC) restricts its applications in the biomedical field. To introduce antimicrobial properties into BC, we studied the synthesis, structure, and antimicrobial properties of a novel nanocomposite film comprising BC, graphene oxide (GO), and copper-oxide (CuO) nanosheets. The nanocomposite film was synthesized by incorporating GO-CuO nanohybrids into BC matrix through homogenized blending. The CuO nanosheets, with a length range of 50 nm–200 nm and width range of 20 nm–50 nm, which were uniformly grown on the GO along with even distribution of GO-CuO nanohybrids on the surface of the cellulose fibers. The nanocomposites displayed better antibacterial activity against gram-positive than gram-negative bacteria. BC/GO-CuO nanocomposites showed higher antibacterial activity than BC/CuO. We also elucidated the mechanism of antibacterial activity of the nanocomposites. Further, the nanocomposites exhibited biocompatibility towards mice fibroblast cells. The nanocomposites might serve as an excellent source for development of antibacterial materials.

One-step rapid preparation of CuO nanosheets by high frequency induction heating and the application as excellent electrochemical sensor based on CuO/MWCNTs for the detection of glucose

In this study, to improve production efficiency, a simple and rapid synthesis method of copper oxide (CuO) nanosheets by using high frequency induction heating was proposed. The CuO nanosheets were successfully prepared, and formulated into CuO and CuO/Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) electronic ink. After characterizing of the morphology, composition and structure of the as-prepared CuO nanosheets, the non-enzymatic glucose sensors by using CuO nanosheets and CuO/MWCNTs as functional materials were fabricated by dispensing on screen printed graphite electrodes (SPGE). For the detection of glucose, the electrochemical properties of the fabricated electrochemical sensor were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry. The results showed that the prepared electrochemical glucose sensor by CuO and CuO/MWCNTs all exhibited excellent sensitivity (1290 μAmM−1cm−2, 1890 μAmM−1cm−2), wide linear range (4–400 μM), and low detection limit (0.21 μM, 0.14 μM), high selectivity to common interference in physiological fluids, high stability and excellent feasibility for actual sample analysis. Between them, the electrochemical properties of the sensor prepared from CuO/MWCNTs are better due to the excellent electronic conductivity of MWCNTs.

Decoration of copper foam with Ni nanorods and copper oxide nanosheets to produce a high-stability electrocatalyst for the reduction of CO2: Characterization of the electrosynthesis of isonicotinic acid

CuO–Cu 2 O (Cu x O) nanosheets were coated on a copper foam substrate by the electrochemical anodization method in an alkaline solution. Constant current coulometry was performed to electrodeposit Ni nanorods on the surface of a Cu/Cu x O electrode. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) proved that the copper oxide nanosheets were anchored on the copper foam substrate and modified by Ni nanorods (Cu/Cu x O/Ni). The process took place via a facile and inexpensive electrodeposition method. As the results indicate, owing to the synergistic effect of adjacent Cu x O and Ni sites, a Cu/Cu x O/Ni electrode has a very good and stable electrocatalytic activity to reduce CO 2 . As tested in this study, the product of the electrocatalytic reduction of CO 2 (i.e. activated CO 2 , or CO 2 •− ) can be used for the electrocarboxylation of pyridine in mild conditions. Once an electron is transferred from CO 2 •− to pyridine, a pyridine radical anion is formed. Based on the EC'C′CC mechanism, this radical anion reacts with CO 2 •− and produces isonicotinic acid as the main product. In addition, two pyridine radical anions react together and produce a 4,4′-bipyridine dimer. The high stability of the electrocatalyst during the electrolysis process and the simplicity of the workup make the proposed modified electrode appropriate for the electrosynthesis of some organic compounds.

Plasma-Strengthened Lithiophilicity of Copper Oxide Nanosheet-Decorated Cu Foil for Stable Lithium Metal Anode.

Lithium metal is the most ideal anode for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries. However, the formation of lithium dendrites and the continuous consumption of electrolyte during cycling lead to a serious safety problems. Developing stable lithium metal anode with uniform lithium deposition is highly desirable. Herein, a nitrogen plasma strengthening strategy is proposed for copper oxide nanosheet–decorated Cu foil as an advanced current collector, and deep insights into the plasma regulating mechanism are elaborated. The plasma‐treated electrode can maintain a high coulombic efficiency of 99.6% for 500 cycles. The symmetric cell using the lithium‐plated electrode can be cycled for more than 600 h with a low‐voltage hysteresis (23.1 mV), which is much better than those of electrodes without plasma treatment. It is well confirmed that this plasma‐induced nitrogen doping method can provide sufficient active sites for lithium nucleation to enhance the stability of lithium deposition on copper oxide nanosheets decorated on Cu foil and improve the electrical conductivity to greatly reduce the overpotential of the lithium nucleation, which can be extended to other modified current collectors for stable lithium metal anode.

CuO Nanosheets Modified with Amine and Thiol Grafting for High Catalytic and Antibacterial Activities

The aim of the present study is to develop an ecofriendly and cost-effective method for the synthesis and functionalization of copper oxide (CuO) nanosheets by chemical grafting of 3-(chloropropyl)triethoxysilane (ClPTES), p-aminothiophenol (ATP) and diethanolamine (DEA). Full characterization of the resulting materials through FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning–transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) allowed confirmation of the grafting of ClPTES, ATP, DEA, and CuO crystalline phase and assessment of the average size of the as-prepared CuO (500 nm) and its high purity, respectively. Cu functionalization was found to confer high catalytic activity in 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction into 4-aminophenol (4-AP), methylene blue (MB) degradation, and decomposition of their mixture. Besides, DEA- and ATP-modified CuO also exhibited appreciable antibacterial capacity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli. These results are of great importance...