Synthesis of a new binuclear Cu(II) complex: A precise sensor for H2O2 and a proper precursor for preparation of the CuO nanoparticles

A novel binuclear Cu(II) complex based on ferrocene dicarboxylate was synthesized through ultrasonic and solvothermal processes and its structure confirmed by spectroscopy (IR), ultraviolet-visible spectrum (UV–Vis) and powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD). Structural characterization of the complex was performed through single-crystal X-ray diffraction and thermal stability of it was perused via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The title Cu(II) complex was used as an effective sensor for H 2 O 2 . The electrochemical method is one of the most effective methods for material sensing. In many electrochemical techniques to increase the efficiency of activity, the electrochemically active agent is supported on a substrate. Instead of using substrate, the chemical active agent can be applied as a part of the complex structure. In this work, ferrocene dicarboxylate as an active agent in the Cu(II) complex has been used for sensing of H 2 O 2 . Due to the effect of particle size on electrochemical activity, the nano-sized complex was synthesized by ultrasonic technique (as an environmentally friendly method) and also, CuO nanoparticles were also obtained by thermal decomposition of ultrasonic treated complex at 500  °C. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As well as, they were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and elemental mapping.