Formation of copper–polymer nanocomposite upon copper electrodeposition in the presence of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)

Abstract

The composition and structure of products formed on a cathode upon electrodeposition of copper from copper sulfate–poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) mixed solutions have been studied. These products have been shown to be nanocomposites consisting of copper nanoparticles and the polymer. It has been suggested that the composite is formed by a pseudotemplate mechanism via noncovalent interaction between macromolecules and copper particles growing on the cathode. The interaction is accompanied by deceleration of subsequent growth of particles because of their screening by the polymer. This decreases the sizes of copper particles in the reaction product and the rate of metal reduction. The sonication of the reaction system yields a nanocomposite sol containing nanoparticles of copper(I) oxide. The oxide results from rapid oxidation of copper metal particles that have passed to the sol with copper(II) ions.