Room temperature synthesis of Cu nanocages through Ni-induced electroless process

• Cu nanocages were prepared through Ni induced electroless process at room temperature.
• Ni-induced electroless Cu deposition mechanism was proposed.
• Introducing Ni2+ can improve the oxidation resistance property of Cu nanocages.
• The Cu nanocages-constructed non-enzymatic sensor had good responses to glucose.

Designed octahedral Cu nanocages were successfully prepared at room temperature by introducing Ni induced electroless strategy. This strategy balanced the inhibitory effect of sodium oleate (SOA) in the room temperature reduction process. Reduction rate was markedly improved as Ni2+ increasing. The Ni-induced electroless Cu deposition mechanism was studied. The first deposited metallic Ni particles catalyzed the oxidation of hydrazine (N2H4·H2O) to give electrons. Cu2O intermediates captured the electrons and were reduced to Cu nanocages with SOA existence. Thermo-gravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA) results illuminated that the Ni-induced Cu nanocages had higher oxidation resistance property in air atmosphere compared to Cu nanocages prepared without Ni inclusion. A well-defined, stable and fast amperometric response of glucose was observed when the Ni-induced Cu nanocages were constructed as non-enzymatic glucose sensor.

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