Synthesis of copper nanoparticles by electrolysis of DNA utilizing copper as sacrificial anode

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2007 Jun;7(6):2105-9. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2007.778.

Abstract

Copper nanoparticles have been synthesized by anodic oxidation through a simple electrolysis process employing de-oxy ribonucleic acid (DNA) as electrolyte. Platinum was taken as cathode and copper as anode. The applied voltage was 4 V and the electrolysis was performed for duration of 1 h. The copper nanoparticles were prepared in situ from the electron beam irradiation on residues of electrolyte consisting of DNA and copper particles: DNA (Cu) complexes. The size of the nanoparticles ranges between 5-50 nm. A tentative explanation has been given for the formation of copper nanoparticles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Copper / chemistry*
  • Crystallization / methods*
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / ultrastructure*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Electrodes
  • Electrolysis / methods*
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Copper
  • DNA