Formation of Oxidation-Stable Copper Nanoparticles in Water

Abstract

Oxidation-stable copper (Cu) nanoparticles have been successfully prepared by electroless deposition in water at 353 K. Cupric oxide (CuO) and hydrazine (N2H4) are employed as the Cu precursor and reducing agent, respectively. The Cu nanoparticles have uniform particle sizes with average values ranging from 37 to 43 nm. The addition of gelatin has played a vital in role in controlling the particle size, agglomeration, and oxidation of Cu nanoparticles. In the absence of gelatin, both metallic Cu and cuprous oxide (Cu2O) are present in the sample, indicating incomplete reduction of the CuO. Pure metallic Cu nanoparticles with excellent oxidation and dispersability in water can only be formed when gelatin is employed as protective agent. At higher amounts of gelatin, the particle size of the Cu nanoparticles is reduced.