Copper oxide-based carbonaceous nanocomposites: Electrochemical synthesis and characterization

Metal oxides and carbon nanomaterials are well-known materials used in several applications, especially in storage devices, due to their unique high reversible capacity. In this study, three CuO-based carbonaceous nanocomposites were synthesized by the electrochemical deposition of copper oxide on carbon nanomaterials such as graphite, graphene oxide, and Fe3O4/C, respectively. Fe3O4/C was obtained by the arc-discharge method, while graphene oxide was exfoliated from graphite by the Hummers method. Successful synthesis was confirmed by XRD analysis of the crystallinity: Two peaks were observed at 2θ of 26° and 35°, corresponding to carbon and CuO, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed the even distribution of CuO particles on the carbon material surface. Fourier-transform infrared spectra of all CuO-based carbonaceous nanocomposites revealed vibration peaks for Cu–O at ∼501.51, 528.52, and 479.33 cm−1. The method reported herein can be potentially employed for scaling up the CuO-based carbonaceous nanocomposite production for various applications.