An environmentally-benign electrochemical method for formation of a chitosan-based coating on stainless steel as a substrate for deposition of noble metal nanoparticles

We report on a new method for formation of catalytic nanocomposites surfaces and nanoparticles, with many potential benefits in energy and biomedical applications. This work demonstrates an environmentally-benign process using electrochemistry and post deposition UV irradiation to create a durable, robust layer on a stainless steel (304) electrode surface which serves as a substrate for subsequent deposition of silver nanoparticles. Electron microscopy, vibrational and electron spectroscopies are used to identify the structure and chemistry of the initial chitosan layers, indicating formation of nitro groups through oxidization of a fraction of the amine groups of chitosan which may play a role in enhancing adhesion to the passive film on the stainless steel cathode. By using this surface to synthesize noble metal nanoparticles through a patent pending process which eliminates the use of harsh reducing agents, we propose development of a surface with important functionality for catalytic and biomedical applications.