Nanostructured Copper Research Articles

Strategies and Mechanisms to Improve the Catalytic Performance of Cu-Based Catalyst for CO2 Electrochemical Reduction Reaction to Methane

This article introduces three significant ways of producing methane by electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. Electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide can efficiently convert CO2 molecules into various high-energy fuels under ambient conditions. Methane gas, among them, stands out due to its relatively high calorific value, chemical stability, ease of storage and transportation. Therefore, research on electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to generate methane is crucial. Common methods include adjusting catalyst morphology to expose more active sites, building nanoscale catalysts results in smaller-sized nanostructured copper and combining copper with other metals to form alloys, creating multi-metal catalysts. By optimizing these catalysts, we can efficiently reduce carbon dioxide into methane.

Dendritic copper nanostructures for ultrasensitive detection of rhodamine 6G and Congo red

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) is a fast-responding and non-destructive ultra-sensitive detection technique that can replace traditional chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis techniques. In this experiment, dendritic copper nanostructures were prepared by the solid-state ionics method and the vacuum hot evaporation process with an applied current of I=9μA. Using them as a SERS substrate, Raman detection was performed on the dye molecules Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and Congo Red (CR) to determine SERS enhancement performance. It is found that the growth of the prepared copper nanostructures has a top-end dominant phenomenon. The fractal dimension of the copper nanostructure was calculated using fractal theory, and it was revealed to be 1.560. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that a large number of 60-80 nm regularly arranged copper nanoparticles were attached to the surface of the dendritic copper nanostructure. This is beneficial to increase the surface roughness of the substrate and improve the detection level of dye molecules. Subsequently, copper nanostructures can sensitively detect R6G and CR solutions as low as 1×10-13 mol/L and 1×10-7 mol/L, reaching single-molecule levels. The Raman mapping experiment showed that the mean relative standard deviation (RSD) values of R6G and CR were 12.3% and 12.9%, indicating high uniformity and reproducibility of the structure. This structure effectively achieves the fusion of uniformity, repeatability, and sensitivity, and shows broad application prospects in food detection.

Bio-fabrication of Biologically Active Copper nanocomposite

Green routes for nucleation of nanostructures are recently applied for the biomedical applications, due to their affinity and feasibility. For instance, copper nanostructures are applicable for inhibition of microbial infections and ulcers. Hereby, this work is aimed at investigation for the possible contribution of Sidr honey (SH) in the formation of copper based-nanocomposites (Cu@SH). The overall results affirmed that, under the optimal experimental conditions, spherical shaped Cu@SH nanocomposites with quite small particle size of 16.2-30.1 nm were successfully clustered. The bio-fabricated Cu@SH nanocomposites showed superior antimicrobial action against all of the examined strains, whereas, the most potent inhibition was obtained against St. aureus (11 mm), E. Coli (17 mm) &C. albicans (14 mm). The nanocomposite that was prepared with higher concentration of copper precursor is exhibited with the highest percentage of cancer cell inhibition (77%) and highest anti-inflammation action (NO percentage 89%). In summarization, Cu@SH nanocomposites showed high affinity to be concurrently applicable as therapeutic drugs for the microbial infectious, cancer and inflammation diseases.

Atomically precise Cu32 nanoclusters with selenide doping: Synthesis, bonding, and catalysis

AbstractCopper nanoclusters with stable compositions and precise structures have long been sought after, as they possess properties that are absent in gold and silver counterparts. However, the creation of copper nanoclusters with novel compositions, structures, and functionalities remains largely unexplored in the literature. In this study, we demonstrate that selenide doping is an effective method for fabricating stable copper nanostructures through controlled synthesis and structure determination of a copper–selenide nanocluster. The nanocluster of [Cu32Se7(BnSe)18(PPh3)6]+ (denoted as Cu32Se7, Bn is benzyl) has been prepared by reducing copper salts in the presence of organic diselenides. The atomic structure of the Cu32Se7 cluster, accurately determined through single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, reveals a core–shell arrangement of Cu20Se7@Cu12(BnSe)18(PPh3)6, where Se2− anions are well dispersed in the Cu20 framework. Notably, this cluster represents a rare example of copper–selenide semiconductor nanoclusters. Experimental and theoretical analysis shows strong interactions between Se ligands and metal atoms, resulting in high stability of the Cu32Se7 cluster. Furthermore, the cluster exhibits excellent catalytic performance in the hydroboration reaction of alkynes, producing a range of vinylboron compounds with adjustable structures and functions. Importantly, the cluster undergoes no structural or nuclearity changes during the reaction, as confirmed by extended X‐ray absorption fine structure and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies. This study not only presents a molecular cluster model highlighting the effectiveness of selenide dopants in fabricating new copper nanostructures but also paves the way for utilizing stable copper nanoclusters in diverse and exciting areas beyond catalysis.

Development of a 1D-WO3 and CuO nanocomposite modified electrode for enhanced detection of 2,4-dichlorophenol

A common chlorinated phenol known as 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) was investigated electrochemically using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). The electrochemical investigation was carried out at 1D nanostructured tungsten dioxide (WO3) and copper (II) oxide (CuO) nanocomposite-modified carbon paste electrode (CPE). The electrode's sensitivity was improved by the WO3/CuO nanocomposite, enabling investigators to more precisely measure the 2,4-DCP's electrochemical characteristics. The hydrothermal method was utilized to synthesize the WO3 NPs. The XRD, AFM, SEM, and EDS techniques were used to characterize the nanocomposite and WO3 NPs. Numerous parameters have been studied, including pH, concentration variation, scan rate variation, and accumulation time. Samples of soil, fruits, and vegetables were examined using the fabricated WO3/CuO/CPE. In the concentration range of 7.0 × 10−8 M to 2.6 × 10−7 M, a linear relationship was established along with the lower limit of detection of 0.17 × 10−8 M and the limit of quantification of 0.57 × 10−7 M. The 0.2 M phosphate buffer (PB) of pH 10.4 increased the peak current, which contributed to the WO3/CuO/CPE sensor's sensing performance and was highly sensitive with respect to 2,4-DCP detection. Anodic peak current was observed for the WO3/CuO/CPE is at -7.45 µA whereas for unmodified CPE is at -1.31 µA. According to the findings, the nanostructured WO3 and CuO nanocomposite showed exceptional sensitivity in identifying the electrochemical characteristics and reactions of 2,4-DCP.

The development of screen-printed electrodes modified with gold and copper nanostructures for analysis of gunshot residue and low explosives

Due to their portability, sensitivity, and ease of use, electrochemical sensors have recently become a popular method for rapid, on-site analysis. This study presents a proof of principle for the application of modified screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) for the detection of signature metals (Pb, Sb, and Zn) commonly found in gunshot residue (GSR), as well as for the detection of nitrate/nitrite in organic GSR and low explosives. To achieve these two aims, we have examined various electrode surface modifications. For metal detection, SPCEs were modified by electrodeposition of gold to improve sensitivity. GSR samples taken from two types of cartridge cases and shooting-related surfaces were analyzed using the Au-modified SPCEs. For nitrate/nitrite analysis, further electrode surface modifications were carried out by depositing Cu(II) onto the Au-SPCEs to enhance signal through catalytic activity of the copper surfaces. Both unburned and burned forms of black powder samples, as well as burned smokeless powder, were then analyzed using the Cu/Au-SPCEs. In conclusion, due to their low cost and portability, these sensors should prove useful for rapid forensic examination.

A Study on Cu Decorated Anodic TiO2 Nanotubes for Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensing and Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Application

Free-standing, surface-modified TiO2 nanotubes(TNTs) decorated with copper nanostructures have been extensively studied as promising materials for their application in biosensing and photo-electrochemical splitting of water. Here, the TNTs are prepared by electrochemical anodization followed by modification with copper nanostructures via UV-assisted photo-reduction technique. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the structural and morphological properties of the TNTs, along with their tubular architecture and mixed-phase composition of Anatase-Rutile. Energy-dispersive spectroscopic analysis verified the successful deposition of copper. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy revealed an electronic band gap of 3.2 eV. The copper-modified TNTs showed an enhanced sensitivity in the sensing of glucose to the tune of 0.52 mA mM−1 cm−2 with a high linear range of 0.5 to 7 mM and showed superior selectivity against interferents. It was found that the modified TNTs exhibited a higher photocurrent response of 1.09 mA cm−2 compared with pristine TNTs (0.69 mA cm−2). These findings indicate the promising potential of copper-modified TNTs for continuous glucose monitoring and photo-electrochemical applications.

Building robust copper nanostructures via carbon coating derived from polydopamine for oxygen reduction reaction

This study explores the synthesis and electrocatalytic performance of copper-nitrogen-carbon composites formed by Cu single atoms/clusters embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon with Cu/Cu2O nanoparticles (Cu-X-NC) for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The catalysts were synthesized using polydopamine as a carbon and nitrogen source via the solvothermal carbonization (STC) method, followed by pyrolysis and acid washing. The effect of solvothermal carbonization temperature (120, 150, and 180 ºC) on the structure and ORR activity was investigated. The physicochemical characterization showed that higher STC temperatures reduced the size of copper crystallites, slightly increased the formation of copper(I) oxide, and led to the creation of well-dispersed copper single atoms/clusters at 150°C. This optimal dispersion enhances the interaction between the copper single atoms and the reactants, leading to faster ORR kinetics, as demonstrated by the lower charge transfer resistance values in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Additionally, the balance between micropore and mesopore structures at this temperature facilitates efficient mass transport, which is critical for achieving higher ORR activity. Moreover, accelerated stability tests showed excellent durability for Cu-150-NC, with negligible loss in onset potential after 10,000 cycles. The solvothermal process significantly increased the electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), with Cu-150-NC displaying the highest specific activity and mass activity per gram of copper, indicating superior performance. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of synthesis optimization and provide valuable insights for designing eco-friendly and high-performance copper catalysts for fuel cell applications.

Engineering the plasmonic activities of copper nanostructures for SERS and photocatalysis

Nanoparticles of plasmonic metals such as gold (Au), silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) have numerous applications due to their localized surface plasmon resonance. Among these, nanoparticles of Cu remain underexplored when compared to Au and Ag, although the former is much cheaper. Here we report the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), interaction of molecule with a plasmonics and photocatalysis applications of Cu nanostructures. Hexagonal and cubic shaped Cu nanostructures were successfully synthesized by varying the reaction conditions in a polyol synthesis method. Rapid nucleation at an elevated temperature (140 °C) and subsequent slow growth at lower temperature (80 °C) in presence of polymeric stabilizer resulted in the formation of uniform cube shaped Cu nanoparticles (Cucube). Whereas polyol synthesis at a low temperature (80 °C) resulted in hexagonal Cu nanoparticles (Cuhex). Both the nanostructures exhibited very good surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement of the order 6.9 × 105 for rhodamine B (RhB). Cuhex also showed reliable SERS sensing of RhB with a very low experimental limit of detection (10−10 M). Moreover, based on emission and time-dependent measurements, strong molecular and plasmonic interactions reveal energy transfer from RhB molecules to the Cu nanostructures. Additionally, Cuhex showed very good catalytic and visible light plasmonic photocatalytic activities for the para-nitrophenol (p-NP) reduction reaction.

Numerical study of optical and thermal response of gold and silver coated copper nanostructures for hyperthermia

The optical and thermal properties of nanoparticles have attracted much interest due to their extinction effectiveness in industries like electronics, medical devices, photonics, materials sciences, drug delivery, hyperthermia, etc. In this work, the optical response of eight different geometrical nanostructures, namely Solid-CuNS, Au–Ag-coated-Solid-CuNS, Hollow-CuNS, Au–Ag-coated-Hollow-CuNS, Solid-CuNR, Au–Ag-coated-Solid-CuNR, Hollow-CuNR, and Au–Ag-coated-Hollow-CuNR, were studied for hyperthermia. Finite element analysis was performed in COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate the optical and thermal responses of the nanostructures. The size range of nanostructures was selected differently based on the hyperthermia condition to attain a temperature between 42 °C and 46 °C. An appropriate temperature distribution of 43.8 °C was achieved in the 500 nm liver domain using an Au–Ag-coated-Solid-CuNS with Dsphere = 20 nm. The minimum thermal response was 42.1 °C for both Solid-CuNS and Solid-CuNR when Dsphere was 35 nm and Lcylinder was 35 nm. The highest electric field distribution of 11.2 V/m in the surrounding area was seen for Au–Ag-coated-Solid-CuNR, with an extinction resonance peak at 475 nm. On the other hand, the Au–Ag-coated-Solid-CuNS showed the least electric field distribution of 2.22 V/m with a corresponding resonance peak of 480 nm when Dsphere was 15 nm.

One‐Step Laser Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles and Laser‐Induced Graphene in a Paper Substrate for Non‐Enzymatic Glucose Sensing

AbstractThe synergy resulting from the high conductivity of graphene and catalytic properties of metal nanoparticle has been a resource to improve the activity and functionality of electrochemical sensors. This work focuses on the simultaneous synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and laser‐induced graphene (LIG) derived from paper, through a one‐step laser processing approach. A chromatography paper substrate with drop‐casted copper sulfate is used for the fabrication of this hybrid material, characterized in terms of its morphological, chemical, and conductive properties. Appealing conductive properties are achieved, with sheet resistance of 170 Ω sq−1 being reached, while chemical characterization confirms the simultaneous synthesis of the conductive carbon electrode material and metallic copper nanostructures. Using optimized laser synthesis and patterning conditions, LIG/CuNPs‐based working electrodes are fabricated within a three‐electrode planar cell, and their electrochemical performance is assessed against pristine LIG electrodes, demonstrating good electron transfer kinetics appropriate for electrochemical sensing. The sensor's ability to detect glucose through a non‐enzymatic route is optimized, to assure good sensing performance in standard samples and in artificial sweat complex matrix.

Nanoengineering Scalephobic Surfaces for Liquid Cooling Enhancement

AbstractCrystallization fouling, a process where mineral scales form on surfaces, is of broad importance in nature and technology, negatively impacting water treatment and electricity production. However, a rational methodology for designing materials with intrinsic resistance to scaling and scale adhesion remains elusive. Here, guided by nucleation physics, this work investigates the effect of coating composition and surface structure on the nucleation and growth mechanism of scale on metallic heat transfer surfaces nanoengineered by large‐area techniques. This work observes that on hydrophilic nanostructured copper, despite its significantly enlarged surface area compared to smooth surfaces, scale formation is substantially suppressed leading to sustained, efficient cooling performance. This work reveals the mechanism through thermofluidic modeling coupled with in situ optical characterization and show that surface bubble formation through degassing is responsible for generating local hot spots enhancing supersaturation. This work then demonstrates a scalephobic nanostructured surface which reduces the accumulated surface scale mass 3.5× and maintains an 82% higher heat transfer coefficient compared to superhydrophobic surfaces with corresponding energy conversion savings. This work not only advances the understanding of fouling mechanisms but also holds promise for practical applications in industries reliant on efficient heat transfer processes.

Synthesis of Plasmonic Copper/Copper Oxide Nanostructures as (Photo)Catalysts

Plasmonic nanostructures can enhance the photocatalytic efficiency of semiconductors under visible light irradiation. While the plasmonic-enhanced photocatalysis has been widely studied, rigorous efforts focus on designing novel noble metal nanostructures by altering particle size, shape, and composition to optimize their interaction with light to influence the catalytic properties. However, the need for a more cost-effective material as an alternative for noble metals has led us toward the exploration of copper and their oxides for photocatalysis. In this work, we synthesize different morphologies of copper nanostructures (i.e., 10 nm and 50 nm nanoparticles, as well as nanowires. Copper nanostructures are prone to be oxidized over time; however, the degree of oxidation varies with the size and shape of the nanostructure, thereby creating hybrid copper/copper oxide nanostructures with unique optical and (photo)catalytic properties. The hybrid nanostructures are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Their optical properties are studied by UV-vis spectroscopy along with simulation. We then further study the use of these hybrid nanostructures as (photo)catalysts for redox reactions – the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) and the oxidation of tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). The (photo)catalytic properties will be correlated with the size, shape, and the degree of oxidation of these hybrid nanostructures. The mechanisms of both reactions on the hybrid copper/copper oxide (photo)catalysts will be discussed.

Protective Layers to Improve the Durability of Lithium Anode

Lithium metal anode possesses the advantages of high theoretic special capacity (3860 mAh g-1), low redox potential (-3.04 V vs. S.H.E.) and abundant lithium source. Therefore, tremendous efforts have been paid to explore the remedies of practical utilization. Its applications were seriously hindered by the severely side reactions between the electrolyte solvents and Li metal due to the mismatched energy-gap and large volumetric variation of lithium deposition layer. To address this challenge, various strategies were developed in whole world to prolong the operational life of lithium metal anode.Our group focused on the development of Li+ filtrated membrane to isolate the fresh Li metal from the solvents. Firstly, we established the transplantable LiF-rich membrane via NiF2 film during formation to significantly improve the durability of lithium metal anode.[1] Then, we prepared a Li-filtrated film via a homemade stacked grapheme (SG), which possesses the higher Li nucleation over-potential than that on rational nano-structured copper scaffold (NCS-SG).[2] Additionally, an advanced SEI-functional membrane derived from LiF decorated SG were proposed to protect lithium anode by retarding electron transfer via C-Fx to avoid lithium deposition on the film surface.[3] Finally, the approaches on compatible electrolytes would be proposed.[4-5] In summary, the durability of lithium metal anode could be significantly prolonged by the appropriate protective strategies. Acknowledgement This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 22179052) and the Excellent Discipline Cultivation Project by JHUN (2023XKZ013). Reference [1] Z. Peng, N. Zhao, Z. Zhang, et al., Nano Energy, 2017, 39: 662-672.[2] F. Ren, Z. Peng, M. Wang, et al., Energy Storage Materials, 2019, 16: 364-373.[3] M. Wang, Z. Peng, D. Wang, Advanced Energy Mater., 2019, 1802912.[4] Y. Qin, D. Wang, M. Liu, et al., ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2021, 13, 49445−49452.[5] Y. Qin, D. Wang, Submitted to Advanced Mater.

Enhanced tribological properties and the microstructure evolution of the gradient nanostructured copper alloy

In this work, the effects of the gradient microstructures by surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) on the corresponding tribological properties of the nanoprecipitates strengthened copper alloy was investigated. The nanoprecipitates strengthened copper alloy possesses a decent tribological properties compared with the pure copper and bronze. The SMAT-processed NP&T alloy possesses distinctly lower coefficients of friction (COF) than its coarse-grained counterpart throughout the entire frictions. In particular, under a sliding load of 2 N, NP&T alloy possesses a lower COF of 0.58 ± 0.03, approximately 15% lower than that of its homogeneous counterpart. Additionally, the wear volumes, wear rates, and worn surface roughness were approximately 45% lower in the NP&T alloy, indicating the superior tribological properties. The macro-, micro-, and atomic-scale friction and wear mechanisms in the worn NP&T alloy were systematically determined. The inherent gradient nanostructures could achieve strain delocalization, thereby suppressing surface deformation and improving wear resistance. Wear-induced substructure in the NP&T alloy comprises gradient layers mediated by twinning and stacking faults combined with nanocomposite layers, resulting in novel tribological performance characteristics. Thus, combining inherent and newly formed wear-resistant gradient nanostructures is an effective design strategy for high-performance Cu alloys.

Enhanced Electrocatalysis on Copper Nanostructures: Role of the Oxidation State in Sulfite Oxidation.

The influence of surface morphology and the oxidation state on the electrocatalytic activity of nanostructured electrodes is well recognized, yet disentangling their individual roles in specific reactions remains challenging. Here, we investigated the electrooxidation of sulfite ions in an alkaline environment using cyclic voltammetry on copper oxide nanostructured electrodes with different oxidation states and morphologies but with similar active areas. To this aim, we synthesized nanostructured Cu films made of nanoparticles or nanorods on top of glassy carbon electrodes. Our findings showed an enhanced sensitivity and a lower detection threshold when utilizing Cu(I) over Cu(II). Density functional theory-based thermochemical analysis revealed the underlying oxidation mechanism, indicating that while the energy gain associated with the process is comparable for both oxide surfaces, the desorption energy barrier for the resulting sulfate molecules is three times higher on Cu(II). This becomes the limiting step of the reaction kinetics and diminishes the overall electrooxidation efficiency. Our proposed mechanism relies on the tautomerization of hydroxyl groups confined on the surface of Cu-based electrodes. This mechanism might be applicable to electrochemical reactions involving other sulfur compounds that hold technological significance.

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensors: A Comparative Study of Copper and Palladium Nanostructures for Nitrite Detection

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensors: A Comparative Study of Copper and Palladium Nanostructures for Nitrite Detection

Synthesis of CuO nanosheets on Cu foil via one-step wet chemical process at different reaction temperatures and their photoelectrochemical performance

Cupric oxide (CuO) nanostructures were directly grown on copper substrate via a simple one step solution-immersion process. The films were formed by the direct oxidation of copper in aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and ammonium persulfate (NH4)2S2O8. The influence of the reaction temperature on the structural, morphological, optical and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the formed copper compounds nanostructures was investigated. The XRD and Raman spectroscopy results revealed the formation of Cu(OH)2/CuO composite for the samples prepared at 3 and 25 °C, and pure CuO was obtained for the samples prepared at 45 and 55 °C. The SEM micrographs showed that the formed Cu(OH)2 and CuO present a nanowire bundles and nanosheet morphology, respectively. The increase of the reaction temperature enhanced the absorbance of the CuO samples in the entire visible region. According to the photoelectrochemical measurements, the increase of the reaction temperature resulted in an improvement of the PEC response. The CuO nanosheets synthesized at 55 °C presents the highest and the most stable PEC response. A reasonable mechanism describing the formation of nanostructured copper compounds at different reaction temperatures is discussed in this paper.

Chitosan-Integrated Curcumin-Graphene Oxide/Copper Oxide Hybrid Nanocomposites for Antibacterial and Cytotoxicity Applications.

This study deals with the facile synthesis of a single-pot chemical technique for chitosan-curcumin (CUR)-based hybrid nanocomposites with nanostructured graphene oxide (GO) and copper oxide (CuO) as the antibacterial and cytotoxic drugs. The physicochemical properties of synthesized hybrid nanocomposites such as CS-GO, CS-CuO, CS-CUR-GO, and CS-CUR-GO/CuO were confirmed with various advanced tools. Moreover, the in vitro drug release profile of the CS-CUR-GO/CuO nanocomposite exhibited sustained and controlled release during different time intervals. Also, the antibacterial activity of the CS-CUR-GO/CuO hybrid nanocomposite presented the maximum bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli pathogens. The hybrid nanocomposites revealed improved cytotoxicity behaviour against cultured mouse fibroblast cells (L929) via cell adhesion, DNA damage, and proliferation. Thus, the chitosan-based hybrid nanocomposites offer rich surface area, biocompatibility, high oxidative stress, and bacterial cell disruption functionalities as a potential candidate for antibacterial and cytotoxicity applications.

Copper‐Cysteine Nanostructures for Synergetic Photothermal Therapy and Chemodynamic Therapy of Bacterial Skin Abscesses

AbstractSkin lesions, including skin bacterial abscesses, have become one of the most important health challenges and usually need systemic high‐dose antibiotics. Therefore, it is of particular importance to develop novel approaches for treating this ever‐growing challenge to human health. To address this challenge, herein a copper nanostructure is developed giving combined photothermal and chemodynamic therapies for focal infection treatment. The Cu‐based nanostructures with intrinsic catalytic properties are prepared by D‐L or L cysteine (Cys) as ligand and copper ions. It is shown that the multifunctional copper‐Cys (Cu‐Cys) nanostructures can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and they exhibit near infrared (NIR)‐enhanced catalytic activities to improve ROS production for highly efficient eradication of bacteria. Moreover, the results proved O2 evolution property of the Cu‐Cys nanoparticles (NPs). The nanostructures show shape‐dependent antibacterial activity where DL‐Cu‐Cys NPs show higher bactericidal performance than L‐Cu‐Cys NPs. In vitro results demonstrate that 2.5 and 1.25 µg mL−1 of DL‐Cu‐Cys NPs is enough to achieve rapid killing of Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) respectively under 808 nm light irradiation in 10 min. This work introduces a unique photoactive nanoagent to efficiently treat subcutaneous abscess by combining NIR light‐triggered photothermal effect and catalytic generation of ROS without using any antibiotic.