Electrocatalytically active cuprous oxide nanocubes anchored onto macroporous carbon composite for hydrazine detection

Abstract

Cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) is a p-type semiconductor with excellent catalytic activity and stability that has gained much attention because it is non-toxic, abundant, and inexpensive. Porous carbon materials have large specific surface areas, which offer abundant electroactive sites, enhance the electrical conductivity of materials, and prevent the aggregation of Cu₂O nanocubes. In this study, a composite with high electrocatalytic activity was prepared based on Cu₂O nanocubes anchored onto three-dimensional macroporous carbon (MPC) by a simple, eco-friendly, and cheap method for hydrazine detection. Due to the synergistic effect of MPC and Cu₂O, the sensor exhibited high electrocatalytic activity, sensitivity, better selectivity, and low limit of detection. The resulting sensor could be a sensitive and effective platform for detecting hydrazine and promising practical applications.

Keywords: Cu(2)O nanocubes; Electrochemical sensors; Hydrazine; Macroporous carbon.