Novel synthesis of a Cu2O-graphene nanoplatelet composite through a two-step electrodeposition method for selective detection of hydrogen peroxide

An optimized two-step electrochemical deposition technique for the synthesis of a Cu2O/graphene platelet composite from copper acetate and a graphite rod is demonstrated. In the first step, graphene nanoplatelets were electrodeposited onto a stainless steel substrate from the graphite rod and then Cu2O NPs from copper acetate solution were electrodeposited onto the same electrode through the second electrodeposition step. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were performed to confirm the quality of the graphene nanoplatelets produced. X-ray diffraction studies revealed the successful formation of Cu2O nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy were carried out to study the morphology, and the microscopic images revealed that the graphene surfaces were evenly anchored with Cu2O nanoparticles. The electrocatalytic behavior of the Cu2O/graphene platelet composite was analysed through cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and amperometric studies. The electrochemical studies revealed the utilization of the prepared material for non-enzymatic electrochemical sensing of H2O2. The amperometric studies showed the sensitivity and limit of detection of the prepared Cu2O/graphene platelet composite to be 52.8595 A M-1 cm(-2) and 34.32 nM, respectively.