Nanocomposite forming on the cathode in electrochemical reduction of copper ions from a polymer solution

Copper electrodeposition from a solution of a mixture of copper(II) sulfate and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) is accompanied by the formation of a nanocomposite on the cathode. The nanocomposite contains copper nanoparticles and up to 20 wt % polymer. The composite forms by a noncovalent interaction of polymer macromolecules with the surface of copper particles growing on the cathode.