The architecture of microporous nanostructured copper was surface engineered by an improvised conventional electrodeposition technique enabled with a dynamic hydrogen template over a copper substrate. The dependency of the copper architecture on the electrochemical parameters, the current density, and the deposition time are studied in detail. Single-step electrodeposition resulted in the formation of a fragile microporous nanostructure over the bare copper substrate. Focusing on structural stability, a two-step electrodeposition was carried out to make the copper architecture competitive in an adverse environment. Due to the grain growth in two-step electrodeposition, the structural stability was visibly enhanced, and the microporous nanostructure remained intact. The interaction of the microporous nanostructure with water was evaluated by measuring the contact angle, exhibiting both superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity.
Graphene oxide (GO) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles were incorporated into the structurally stable microporous copper architecture by electro‐co‐deposition and galvanic displacement reaction to enhance the thermophysical properties. The microporous architecture of copper (Cu) was prepared by carrying out one‐step electrodeposition over a plain copper substrate. The microporous copper deposit laden with micropores and nanodendrites contributes to a substantial surface area. The structural stability of the copper architecture prepared by one step was fortified by carrying out two steps. The two‐step electrodeposited copper decorated by Ag dendrites displayed hydrophobicity as Ag dendrites screened the pores, limiting the interaction of water. The presence of GO sheets hampered the concentration of Ag dendrites due to the blanketed copper grains and modified the wettability from permanent hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.