Copper Composition Research Articles

Wear Behaviour and Metallurgical Characteristics of Aluminium, Copper and Zinc Alloys

This paper explains about obtaining the optimum result in the wear by reinforcing aluminium, copper and zinc alloys. The parent material used is aluminium oxide reinforced with silicon carbide, copper and zinc at different composition. The process carried out for fabricating the sample is powder metallurgy method. The results are analysed by both wear characteristics and metallurgical characteristics. The microstructure of the prepared alloys was studied using the metallurgical characteristics SEM analysis to know the elements used in the material. The wear rate was observed by using the pin on disc tester and co-efficient of the friction was studied. The optimum result of wear obtained for the composition of aluminium oxide, copper, zinc and silicon carbide is 0.36% and the optimum result of co-efficient of friction is obtained for the composition of aluminium oxide, copper and zinc is 0.86.

Majority Carrier Properties of Single Crystal Cu2−xZnSnSe4 with Varying Copper Composition

The dependence of carrier concentration on copper content in Cu2−xZnSnSe4 single crystals, grown without fluxing agents, is presented over the composition range Cu/(Zn + Sn) of 0.77–0.93 and Zn/Sn from 1.3 (low Cu content) to 1.3 (high Cu content). Single phase mono‐crystals with facets up to 5 mm are synthesized from high‐purity elements and validated using Laue diffraction. A direct optical band gap of 0.98 eV is observed for a crystal with Cu/(Zn + Sn) = 0.85. Van der Pauw–Hall resistance analysis shows decreasing hole concentration, from 1019 cm−3 to 2 × 1015 cm−3, with decreasing copper content over the composition range. Hole mobility varies from 50 cm2 V−1 s−1 to 160 cm2 V−1 s−1, with no dependence on copper concentration. A linear temperature dependence of the Seebeck coefficient is found for all crystals. The Seebeck coefficient–carrier concentration dependence is used to determine the valence band density of states, NV, and corresponding effective mass, μh*. Crystals with Cu/(Zn + Sn) < 0.9 have NV = 4 × 1018 cm−3 and μh* = 0.4 m0 while crystals with elevated copper concentration, Cu/(Zn + Sn) > 0.9, exhibit higher density of states, NV = 3 × 1019 cm−3 and hole effective mass μh* = 0.9 m0. The increased valence band density of states at elevated copper composition is consistent with more Cu–Zn exchange sites contributing to bulk defects and band edge fluctuations. Temperature‐dependent conductivity measurements indicate a transition from metallic‐type to semiconductor‐type conduction at Cu/(Zn + Sn) < 0.9. At lower copper content, for a crystal with Cu/(Zn + Sn) = 0.83 and p = 1017 cm−3 the activation energy for intrinsic conduction is 60 meV. This behavior is attributed to the copper vacancy defect, VCu, and is comparable to reported values obtained in thin films and by first‐principles predictions.

Wetting Transition from Hydrophilic to Superhydrophobic over Dendrite Copper Leaves Grown on Steel Meshes

With the development of water purification technologies, the usage of superhydrophobic meshes is increased but the fabrication of durable and cost effective superhydrophobic meshes is still challenging. Here, the formation of hierarchical copper fractals on stainless steel meshes and their superhydrophobicity without any physical or chemical modification were studied. In addition, the improvement of superhydrophobicity of surfaces during storing in a glass bottle for a long time (> one year) is reported. The structures were prepared using electrodeposition method applying cyclic voltammetry and square pulse deposition approaches on stainless steel meshes with 50 µm, 100 µm and 200 µm pore sizes. The prepared layers are a composition of copper with varying amounts of cuprite (Cu2O) depending on deposition method and mesh pore size. As-prepared cyclic voltammetry layer on 100 µm mesh showed the parahydrophobicity with the contact angle of 154° but a large sliding angle. The one-year stored samples in the glass bottle showed superhydrophobicity with the contact angles larger than 150° and sliding angles in the range of 4°–20°. The observed improvement of superhydrophobicity is a great success in the realm of industrial water purification, while most other proposed samples by the others have problems related to the durability of superhydrophobicity.

Analysis the Effect of Temperature and Holding Time of Full - Annealing Heat Treatment to Micro Structure, Mechanical Properties, and Electrical Conductivity of Aluminium Copper (Al-Cu) Alloy

Good electrical conductivity properties of aluminium are the main reason this metal become an option as material of electrical devices. To improve the ductility and electrical conductivity properties, aluminium is combined with copper. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of temperature and holding time of full-annealing heat treatment to the micro structure, hardness, and electrical conductivity of aluminium copper alloy (Al-Cu). In this research, pure aluminium with the addition of 4% copper (Cu) composition has been casted with gravity die casting mold made from ductile cast iron, and continued full-annealing heat treatment with 3 variations at temperature (2600C, 3500C, and 4400C), and 3 variations of holding time (2 hours, 3 hours, and 4 hours). It was found that the effect of higher temperature at the same holding time with the full-annealing heat treatment caused the grains of phase α become more regular and greater so that the hardness decreased and the electrical conductivity was increased.

Copper, zinc, chromium and osmium isotopic compositions of the Teplá-Barrandian unit black shales and implications for the composition and oxygenation of the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian ocean

Two Neoproterozoic-Cambrian shale suites that consist of normal (NBS) and metal-rich (HMBS) black shales from the Teplá-Barrandian Unit, Bohemian Massif (Czech Republic) are studied in terms of their Cu, Zn, Cr and Re–Os isotopic compositions to improve our knowledge of elemental and isotopic mass balance of these elements in Earth's oceans in the past and the extent of surface oxygenation at the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian boundary. The rock compositions indicate that the inputs of Cu and Zn have been controlled by variable proportions of metal-rich authigenic and low-metal terrigenous sources, the latter having exceptionally low δ65Cu and partially δ66Zn. In this respect, our data confirm previous studies conclusions that organic-rich sediments with high a terrigenous flux play an important role in the sinking of light Zn in the oceans and provide new evidence that these types of rocks also represent the currently unidentified burial of very light Cu in the ocean. The chromium isotopic composition reveals a complex history of Cr uptake and fractionation through the dominant Cr input from different terrigenous sources with variable δ53Cr followed by Cr fractionation that was controlled by redox states (NBS). On the other hand, mixing and/or continuous equilibrium isotopic exchange between seawater and hydrothermal Cr was the dominant process for the HMBS. The Re–Os contents of the NBS were controlled by hydrogenous components, which yield a poorly defined Re–Os age for the least disturbed samples of 555 ± 60 Ma, indicating an open-system behavior, while the HMBS Re–Os composition was largely influenced by hydrothermal fluids during deposition. The calculated authigenic δ65Cu, which is similar to that in the present-day ocean, and highly positive δ53Cr values of the HMBS suggest high levels of surface oxygenation during the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian transition. Furthermore, the authigenic δ66Zn, which is indistinguishable from that in the present-day ocean, may imply a constant Zn isotopic composition of the oceans from the Neoproterozoic because of the well-balanced cycle of phosphates, which were strongly adsorbed by Fe-hydroxides. The radiogenic nature of the initial 187Os/188Os (~0.6), although with a high associated error, seems to not confirm previous indications of an abrupt increase of seawater 187Os/188Os during the late Neoproterozoic due to the large-scale radiogenic Os flux into the ocean.

An Analytical Model for Prediction of Solidification Cracking Susceptibility in Aluminum Alloys Taking into Account the Effect of Solidification Rate

Solidification cracking in pulsed laser welding of aluminum alloys has been the subject of a number of researches. The purpose of this study is to analyze the possible effects of high solidification rates involved in pulsed laser welding on the solidification path of aluminum alloys and solidification cracking sensitivity. For the analysis, conditions at the interface are not necessarily considered to be at equilibrium. Accordingly, the solidification path is modified taking into account the effects of solidification rate on the solidus, liquidus, and eutectic temperatures, the liquidus slope, and the interface parameters, including the partition coefficient, the cell/dendrite tip radius, and the liquid composition in the cellular dendrite tip. In line with the previous researches, cracking susceptibility is assumed to be proportional to the range of temperature squared for solidification crack formation ( $$ \Delta T^{2} $$ ). The results of calculations for hypo-eutectic Al-Cu alloys show that cracking susceptibility increases and shifts to a higher copper composition with the increasing solidification rate. The given calculations are evaluated against the reported experimental results.

Antibiotic treatment affects the expression levels of copper transporters and the isotopic composition of copper in the colon of mice

Copper is a critical enzyme cofactor in the body but also a potent cellular toxin when intracellularly unbound. Thus, there is a delicate balance of intracellular copper, maintained by a series of complex interactions between the metal and specific copper transport and binding proteins. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the primary site of copper entry into the body and there has been considerable progress in understanding the intricacies of copper metabolism in this region. The GI tract is also host to diverse bacterial populations, and their role in copper metabolism is not well understood. In this study, we compared the isotopic fractionation of copper in the GI tract of mice with intestinal microbiota significantly depleted by antibiotic treatment to that in mice not receiving such treatment. We demonstrated variability in copper isotopic composition along the length of the gut. A significant difference, ∼1.0‰, in copper isotope abundances was measured in the proximal colon of antibiotic-treated mice. The changes in copper isotopic composition in the colon are accompanied by changes in copper transporters. Both CTR1, a copper importer, and ATP7A, a copper transporter across membranes, were significantly down-regulated in the colon of antibiotic-treated mice. This study demonstrated that isotope abundance measurements of metals can be used as an indicator of changes in metabolic processes in vivo. These measurements revealed a host-microbial interaction in the GI tract involved in the regulation of copper transport.

Continuous electrolytic refining process of cathode copper with non-dissolving anode

In traditional industrial production, cathode copper is co-prepared by both the pyrometallurgical process and wet electrolytic refining method. In this work, a non-dissolving electrode lead dioxide was used as an anode in an electrolysis experiment, and copper oxide was added to maintain the concentration of copper ions in the electrolyte to improve the quality of cathode copper and current efficiency in the electrolytic copper process. The method could avoid energy consumption in the pyrometallurgical process. The effect of three kinds of electrolytes on the macroscopic morphology, microstructure, current efficiency, purity, and crystal composition of the cathode copper was analyzed. In the electrolysis experiment, Cu2O and CuO phases were observed in the cathode copper by using electrolyte A for a long time. With the use of electrolyte B, the purity of the products did not meet the standard of the cathode copper. With the use of electrolyte C, the products prepared by electrolysis four times for 8 h or 2 h each time met the standards for morphology, current efficiency, and purity. The average current efficiency of electrolysis for 8 h was 96.33% with the new non-dissolved anode, which was 2.58% higher than that of the traditional dissolved anode. Moreover, the electrolyte can be recycled after use with the improved electrolyte and process. This new process can save energy and reduce material consumption for copper production in the hydrometallurgical industry. In addition, this paper provides a new method of improving the current efficiency and product quality in the electrolytic process of industrial production of metals.

Effect of Different Micro Metal Powders on the Electrical Resistivity of Cementitious Composites

The electrical resistivity is an essential parameter describing materials’ capacity to convey electric current. Normal cementitious materials display high estimation of the electrical resistivity because of their insulating nature. However, the high electrical resistivity of concrete can be reduced by a sufficient amount of electrically conductive admixture. Such an improvement is advantageous in self-sensing or self-heating concrete design. In this study, the effects of metal additives on the electrical resistivity of hardening cement paste were investigated. In the experiments, two different types of metal admixtures; copper powder and iron powder were used. Hybrid composition of copper and iron were also considered for comparisons of the electrical resistivity. A water to binder ratio of 0.35 was used. The metal powders were used in the mixtures by replacing the cement in ratio of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by weight. The total binder content (cement and metal additives) was always the same in the experiments. The measurements were carried out at room temperature by using two-electrode- AC method. The test results indicate that the metal cement composites with 20% of cement weight improved the lower electrical resistivity of the cement paste than plain cement paste. In addition, composites with copper powders had less electrical resistivity than those with iron powders. The reduction of electrical resistivity with an increase of metal content was steady for when of using hybrid composites better than when using metal powders alone. The Different frequency options 1 kHz, 10 kHz and 100 kHz were used to investigate the effect of impedance-frequency and phase angle-frequency of a sample test using the LCR meter. The highest current frequency available on the LCR meter, 100 kHz, was chosen to be used as the applied current frequency in all of the experiments which exhibit much lower phase angle values that can cancel the effect of change in electrical resistivity measurements.

Síntesis y caracterización de Ni0.76Cu0.24 cristalino

En este trabajo se propone la síntesis de una aleación de níquel‒cobre por descomposición térmica en atmósfera reductora a partir de la mezcla estequiometrica 3:1 de sales de Ni y Cu. La metodología utilizada es de bajo costo, sencilla, amigable con el medio ambiente y permite obtener una fase cristalina libre de contaminantes o remanentes de reacción con un tamaño de cristal de 33 nm y tamaño de partícula de 659 ± 123 x 416 ± 102 nm, con morfología semiesférica y aglomerados heterogéneos. Adicionalmente al realizar un análisis comparativo de los parámetros de red experimental, teóricos reportados y calculados con la ley de Vegard, sugiere que el material sintetizado presenta una fracción diferente de Cu con respecto a la identificada por la base de datos Ni0.76Cu0.24, sin embargo, en el parámetro de red no se observa un cambio significativo (≈0.1 %). El material se caracterizó por difracción de rayos-X (XRD), espectroscopía por dispersión de energía (EDS) y microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM), el tamaño de cristal se calculó con la ecuación de Scherrer y la fracción de Cu en la aleación con aplicando la ley de Vegard.

Dynamics of the mineral composition and deposition rates in the empty body of entire males, castrates and female pigs

Mineral composition and relative deposition rates in the pig’s body are used to assess the mineral net requirements for growth and input–output balances. The study aimed to examine the dynamics of changes in mineral composition and deposition rates in the empty body (EB) from birth to 140 kg BW depending on dietary protein supply. In the experiment, 66 entire male, 58 castrated and 66 female Swiss Large White pigs were used to determine body composition at birth, 10, 20 kg and at 20 kg intervals from 40 to 140 kg BW. From 20 kg BW, they had either ad libitum access to a control grower and finisher diet or a grower and finisher diet containing 80% CP, lysine, methione+cystine, threonine and tryptophan of the control diet. Each EB fraction (carcass, organs and empty intestines, blood and bile) was weighed and analyzed for water, ash, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc contents. Allometric relationships between the amount of each mineral in the EB and the EB weight (EBW) were fitted. The R2 of the allometric equations was above 0.92, except for copper and manganese (below 0.33), revealing the EBW as an excellent explanatory variable of the analyzed amounts. The copper and manganese composition in the EB were extremely low and variable which explain the low R2. Except for zinc, all mineral relative deposition rates decreased with increasing EBW. The amount of ash, calcium and phosphorus in the EB was not affected by the diet, but when expressed relative to body protein these minerals were increased when pigs were fed the low protein diet. This suggests an independent protein deposition and bone mineralization when animals are fed diets limiting in protein content. The diet also affected the amount of potassium in the EB which was greater when the low protein diet was fed. The gender only affected the amounts of potassium and sodium in the EB which were greater in entire males. Entire males had also greater amounts of water in the EB, which may explain the observed effect of gender on these two electrolytes. Finally, gender and dietary protein did not affect to a sufficient relevant way the body mineral composition and deposition rates in the EB, suggesting that their distinction may not be necessary to assess, on BW basis, the mineral net requirements for growth and the exported amount of minerals in input–output balances.

The effect of CNT and Cu on interfacial intermetallic growth of Sn-Ag-Cu solder

In this study, the effect of copper and carbon nanotubes (CNT) composition on interfacial growth of various Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) solder joints were investigated. SAC is proven to have good reliability and mechanical properties but lacking in terms of melting point and wettability. Thus, Sn-4.0 wt%Ag-0.3wt%Cu (SAC403) and Sn-4.0 wt%Ag-0.7 wt%Cu (SAC407) were reinforced with CNT with various weight percentages of 0 to 0.1wt%. The wetting angle and intermetallic compound (IMC) thickness is measured using optical microscope (Olympus BX5/M) and Olympus Stream Essentials software. The high Cu content alloys formed a long Cu6Sn5 whisker which act as an obstacle to crack propagation. CNT improves wettability and IMC layer growth for both SAC403 and SAC407 by lowering the wetting angle and IMC thickness compared to the plain solder.

Quantification of elements in copper–zinc ores at micro- and macro-levels by total reflection X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

A new approach for the direct determination of the elemental composition of copper–zinc ores by TXRF based on non-aqueous suspension preparation is proposed.

Nanoprticles of metals and their inorganic compounds obtained through interphase and redox-transmetalation interaction: application in medicine and pharmacology

Synthesis of nanoparticles of metals and their compounds with given morphology and dispersity for use in medicine, pharmacology, microelectronics, as well as subsequent research of their properties, is one of the current problems in the field of preparative inorganic chemistry. Interphase synthesis and redox-transmetalation reduction are as promising as the traditional precipitation from aqueous solutions, but not as researched. This study presents the results of a physicochemical analysis of nanoparticles of metals and their compounds obtained through chemical precipitation from aqueous solutions, interphase and redox-transmetalation interaction. Data describing the influence of phase composition and dispersity of copper and copper oxide (II) nanoparticles on their antimicrobial properties, as well as the results of researching the possibility to use magnetite magnetic fluids for mesenchymal stem cells marking, illustrate the application options synthe-sized nanoparticles find in pharmacology and medicine.

Modification in electronic, structural, and magnetic properties based on composition of composites Copper (II) Oxide (CuO) and Carbonaceous material

Modification in electronic properties of composite copper (II) oxide (CuO) and activated carbon (AC) were obtained by using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy (REELS), and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), structural properties by x-ray diffraction (XRD), and for magnetic properties by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The bandgap values of composite are 2.1 eV, 2.4 eV, 2.8 eV, and 3.1 eV for 10% AC, 15% AC, 20% AC, and 25% AC, respectively. XPS results showed that the pore of AC effectively increase the stable bonding due to the present strong bonding of O–C–Cu1−x–O in the composites which is effectively for increasing efficiency in devices applications. It should be leading to significant modification in the electronic and the structural properties of composites CuO–AC by increasing the amount of AC as organic linker in the composites. The pore and the concentration of AC as organic linker play an important role in the increasing magnetic and the reflection loss properties which is high stability for absorber applications.

A Provenance Study of Early Bronze Age Artefacts Found in Asturias (Spain) by Means of Metal Impurities and Lead, Copper and Antimony Isotopic Compositions

We describe here the first combined isotopic and impurities study on 27 copper artefacts found in the north‐west of Spain. This study follows previous studies on the lead isotopic composition of copper ores in three local mines that were exploited during the Bronze Age. The levels of impurities found were clearly different from ingots and axes, with ingots having much higher levels of impurities. It was not possible to differentiate the origin of the artefacts only by the impurities present. On the other hand, the lead isotopic composition indicated that all artefacts were prepared from local ores, the ‘La Profunda’ mine being the most probable source for most artefacts that carried out a clear radiogenic lead signature. The copper isotopic composition seemed to be able to differentiate artefacts from the ‘El Aramo’ mine from those from the ‘El Milagro’ and ‘La Profunda’ mines. On the other hand, the antimony isotopic signature was not useful for source allocation.

Flexible reduced graphene oxide/electroless copper plated poly(benzo)-benzimidazole fibers with electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance

In order to produce conductive poly(benzo)-benzimidazole (PBO) fibers with corrosive resistance, copper plating on the surface of PBO fibers was carried out via palladium-free activation by electroless plating, followed by partial reduced graphene oxide (rGO) coating via electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The morphology, element composition and crystal structure of copper plated PBO (Cu/PBO) fibers were studied by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Effect of deposition time on the deposition rate of copper, deposit weight and electrical resistance of Cu/PBO fibers was investigated. In addition, electrical conductivity and heat generation of Cu/PBO fibers were evaluated. The surface of PBO fibers is uniformly and densely covered with spherical copper particles and Cu/PBO fibers possess excellent conductivity with the electrical resistance of 2.98 × 10−3 Ω m for deposition time of 70 min. The corrosion resistance of reduced graphene oxide coated copper plated PBO (rGO/Cu/PBO) fibers was studied by Tafel analysis. The corrosion potential has a negative shift of 31 mV (from − 240.2 to − 209.2 mV) and Icorr reduces from 4.34 µA/cm2 for Cu/PBO fibers to 1.24 µA/cm2 for the rGO/Cu/PBO fibers. The results indicate that the rGO coatings on Cu/PBO fibers can protect copper coating against corrosion. The results indicate that rGO/Cu/PBO fibers possess excellent electrical conductivity and corrosive-resistance, which could be used as conductive flexible materials with corrosive resistance.

Cu and S isotopic signatures of the Erdenetiin Ovoo porphyry Cu-Mo deposit, northern Mongolia: Implications for their origin and mineral exploration

The copper (δ65Cu) and sulfur (δ34S) isotope compositions of ore minerals from the Erdenetiin Ovoo porphyry Cu-Mo deposit in northern Mongolia were measured. The δ65Cu values of Cu (I) sulfide minerals ranged from 0.14‰ to 2.69‰, suggesting that Cu predominantly originated from magmatic sources, whereas Cu (II) minerals such as chrysocolla, malachite and azurite presented much larger variations of δ65Cu values from −1.01‰ to 10.0‰. The small difference between the primary and secondary Cu sulfide minerals indicates an insignificant influence of Cu isotope fractionation processes during their formation, which may be explained by large mass transport and/or the involvement of biogenic activities. The δ65Cu values of primary chalcopyrite suggest source heterogeneity and/or the occurrence of isotope fractionation under a high-temperature environment. The positive ΔCu (II) mineral − Cu (I) mineral values imply little transport of Cu in the deposit, with a rough mass balance and fast redox reaction.The δ34S values of the primary sulfide minerals (pyrite, molybdenite and chalcopyrite) clustered near 0‰, indicating that the sulfur is mainly derived from a homogeneous magmatic source. By contrast, the δ34S values of secondary Cu sulfide minerals ranged from −3.2‰ to −0.3‰, with an average of −1.6‰. The lower δ34S values are likely influenced by either S isotope fractionation processes or input of sulfur with different S isotope compositions during their formation.The measured δ65Cu and δ34S values of these ore minerals suggest a large mass transportation of Cu to an adjacent location, indicating little possibility of a hidden Cu occurrence in the Erdenetiin Ovoo deposit area.

A new anion exchange purification method for Cu stable isotopes in blood samples.

The isotopic composition of iron, zinc, copper, and cadmium (δ56Fe, δ66Zn, δ65Cu, and δ114Cd) are novel and promising tools to study the metabolism and homeostasis of trace metals in the human body. Serum δ65Cu has been proposed as a potential tool for diagnosis of cancer in liquid biopsy, and other metals may have similar utility. However, accurate analysis of trace metal isotopes is challenging because of the difficulties in purifying the metals from biological samples. Here we developed a simple and rapid method for sequential purification of Cu, Fe, Zn, and Cd from a single blood plasma sample. By using a combination of 11M acetic acid and 4M HCl in the first steps of column chemistry on AG-MP1 resin, we dramatically improve the separation of Cu from matrix elements compared to previous methods which use concentrated HCl alone. Our new method achieves full recovery of Cu, Fe, Zn, and Cd to prevent column-induced isotope fractionation effects, and effectively separates analytes from the matrix in order to reduce polyatomic interferences during isotope analysis. Our methods were verified by the analysis of isotope standards, a whole blood reference material, and a preliminary sample set including five plasma samples from healthy individuals and five plasma samples from cancer patients. This new method simplifies preparation of blood samples for metal isotope analysis, accelerating multi-isotope approaches to medical studies and contributing to our understanding of the cycling of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Cd in the human body. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Copper-cobalt Bimetallic Oxides-doped Alumina Hollow Spheres: A Highly Efficient Catalyst for Epoxidation of Styrene

Copper-cobalt bimetallic oxides-doped alumina hollow spheres(CuCo/AHS) were fabricated through the sacrificial carbonaceous template strategy. The dependence of the physicochemical properties and morphologies of CuCo/AHS on the composition of copper and cobalt in CuxCoy/AHS(x/y=9/1, 7/3, 5/5, and 3/7) were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, atomic adsorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Among these catalysts, Cu7Co3/AHS catalyst exhibited perfect hollow sphere structure, thin wall, and big pore size. The calcined catalysts were examined for the epoxidation of styrene with tert-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant. Compared with the monometallic counter-parts(Cu/AHS and Co/AHS) and other CuxCoy/AHS catalysts, Cu7Co3/AHS catalyst showed higher performance, yielding a styrene conversion of 64.6% with 93.0% selectivity toward styrene oxide. In addition, the strong interaction of Cu2+ or Co2+ with AHS ensured the good stability after four consecutive reactions.