Abstract
The synthesis of nanoparticles of copper metal via a soft chemistry route is presented in this paper. The method is based on the thermal decomposition under nitrogen or hydrogen of oxalic precursors with a well-controlled morphology and particle size. The precipitation of the copper oxalates in a water-alcohol medium allows the submicron size of the precursor grains to be controlled and, consequently, the nanometric size of the metallic copper particles to be determined, as required, between 3.5 and 40 nm. The majority of the final particles are made of pure copper metal although some present a superficial layer of cuprous oxide (Cu2O).
Highlights
Nanoparticles are of great interest in the chemical, electronic, and optoelectronic industries because of the novel properties afforded by their small size and high surface-to-volume ratio
Copper nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal decomposition of precipitated oxalic precursors under nitrogen or hydrogen
In order to disperse the oxalate particles and to conserve their dispersion during the thermal decomposition steps, the oxalate powders suspended in water were deposited on a glass slide, as a very thin layer, and quickly dried to avoid a particle agglomeration
Summary
Nanoparticles are of great interest in the chemical, electronic, and optoelectronic industries because of the novel properties afforded by their small size and high surface-to-volume ratio. Chemical methods based on the reduction of a copper salt by NaBH4 [6] or on spray pyrolysis of a copper precursor using ethanol as a reducing agent [15] give rise to the formation of copper particles with a size of about a few tens to a few hundreds nanometers. In this size domain, formation of an oxide layer can be avoided. Microstructural observations were made, and the nature of the phases synthesized was determined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
