Synthesis Of Copper Nanoparticles Research Articles

Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using leaf extract of Ageratum houstonianum Mill. and study of their photocatalytic and antibacterial activities

The novel copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were synthesized using aqueous leaf extract of Ageratum houstonianum Mill. (AHLE). The green synthesized AH-CuNPs have a useful dye degradation property in the existence of daylight. The photocatalytic activity of AH-CuNPs was evaluated against an azo dye congo red (CR), whereas, same NPs displayed no effect on other dyes. The CR was completely degraded within 2 h, and the reaction rate was followed by pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the rate constant was recorded 3.1 × 10−4 s−1, (R2 = 0.9359). Antibacterial activity of green synthesized AH-CuNPs was studied against gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (MTCC no. 40), and a significant growth inhibition was recorded with 12.43 ± 0.233 mm zone of inhibition. The AH-CuNPs were characterized through UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, FT-IR, TEM, and zeta particle size analyzer. Ageratum houstonianum mediated green synthesized copper nanoparticles (AH-CuNPs) were cubic, hexagonal, and rectangular in shape, with average size of ∼80 nm. The optical band gap was 4.5 eV, which was investigated using UV-visible spectroscopy, and the band gap value revealed that AH-CuNPs were semiconductor materials.

Biomimetic synthesis of copper nanoparticles using rhizome extract of Corallocarbus epigaeus and their bactericidal with photocatalytic activity

The present study demonstrates the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) from Corallocarbus epigaeus rhizome extract and its antioxidant and antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. Biogenic CuNPs were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform-Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Obtained results confirmed spherical shaped CuNPs with an average diameter of 65–80 nm. Dose-dependent (2–10 mM) growth assay of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi showed effective inhibition mechanism of CuNPs. The CuNPs exhibited tremendous degradation efficiency for the methylene blue (MB) almost 90% removal in 75 min illumination.

Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Designed from Ocimum sanctum for Purification of Waste Water.

Green nanotechnology and its utility in synthesis of nanoparticles is an area of significant research intertest. For this project, synthesis of copper nanoparticles was done using Ocimum sanctum extract. Copper nanoparticles are gaining more attention in the field of agriculture, sensor, organic reactions, water purification etc. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by XRD and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Method used for the synthesis of stable copper nanoparticles is rapid and ecofriendly. As we know, our river water is getting polluted mostly by waste coming out from our industries. Copper nanoparticles prepared by leaf extract are not hazardous to our environment. We have conducted our study by using Methylene blue dye (MB) and Rhodamine B (Rh B) dye. We have also studied the dye degradation reactions by using UV visible spectrophotometer.

Handheld fluorometer for in-situ melamine detection via interference synthesis of dsDNA-templated copper nanoparticles.

Fluorescent copper nanoparticles templated by dsDNA have gained significant research interest as they are inexpensive and easy to synthesize, and have found applications in the detection of a wide range of analytes. The presence of the analyte in the reaction mixture interferes with the synthesis of the copper nanoparticles and the subsequent drop in fluorescence can be correlated to the concentration of the analyte present in the solution. Analyte detection using copper nanoparticle-based assays is amenable for in-situ applications as the test does not require expensive reagents and can be performed at room temperature. However, expensive and sophisticated detection systems are required for the detection of copper nanoparticles due to the low fluorescence emission signal from these nanoparticles. This restricts the use of the technology to centralized labs. Utilizing a recently developed chemical technique for fluorescence enhancement, this paper presents the first report of a handheld fluorometer capable of detecting DNA-templated copper nanoparticles. The fluorometer is portable and constructed with low-cost, off-the-shelf components like a UV-LED and a PIN photodiode. The performance of the developed system is demonstrated through the detection of melamine in milk samples via the interference synthesis of copper nanoparticles. Melamine is an adulterant used in dairy products that is harmful to human health if present in levels above 1ppm. The developed system is capable of detecting up to 0.1ppm of melamine in milk samples with a linear relationship observed between the detector output and concentration of melamine in the range from 0.1ppm to 100ppm (R2=0.9979).

Bioinspired Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles and its Efficacy on Seed Viability and Seedling Growth in Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

Background: Copper is an important micronutrient required for the growth of the plants. It activates enzymes and helps in protein synthesis in plants. Nanoparticles in the size range from 1 to 100 nm possess unique properties, such as the high surface area to volume ratio, size-dependent capabilities and unique optical properties, and hence, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were evaluated for growth promotion of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.). Objective: The main aim of the study was to synthesize CuNPs using neem extracts, and evaluate their activity on viability of seeds and growth of seedlings in V. radiata. Methods: Here, we synthesized CuNPs by the neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract, which was treated with copper sulphate and ascorbic acid. The reduction of copper sulphate to CuNPs was confirmed by the UV-Visible spectrophotometer and was further characterized by XRD, FTIR, NTA, and Zeta potential measurement. The efficacy of biogenic CuNPs (size <50 nm) was evaluated on germination and growth promotion of V. radiata seeds. The copper content was confirmed in CuNPs treated plants after analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Results: CuNPs were synthesized by the neem (A. indica) leaf extract as brown precipitation. Preliminary detection was performed by UV-Visible spectrophotometer, which showed a peak at 619 nm. Further characterization by X-ray diffraction confirmed the Face Centered Cubic crystal structure. Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of amino acids as functional groups in the leaf extract. Nanoparticle tracking and analysis (NTA) demonstrated an average size of 41±21 nm with the concentration of 3.3×109 particles/ml. Zeta potential value was found to be -18.2 mV. The growth promotion effect showed the maximum germination recorded at 100 ppm of CuNPs; while copper ions showed an adverse effect on root growth. The AAS analysis demonstrated the increased copper content in the CuNPs treated seedlings than that of the control. Conclusion: It is a first report to demonstrate the positive effect of biogenic CuNPs on growth, nutrition and enhanced seed germination, and hence, CuNPs could be used as a nano-fertilizer after further extensive nursery trials.

Ecofriendly Synthesis and Insecticidal Application of Copper Nanoparticles against the Storage Pest Tribolium castaneum.

In spite of great developments in the agricultural field and plant productivity in the last decades, the concern about the control of agricultural pests is still continuous. However, pest management is expected to have more effects from nanomaterials by providing innovative solutions. The current study confirms the biotransformation of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using a cell-free culture extract of metal copper-resistant bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens MAL2, which was isolated from heavy metal-contaminated soils collected from Sharqia Governorate, Egypt. The local screened bacterial isolate, Pseudomonas fluorescens MAL2, is similar to Pseudomonas fluorescens DSM 12442T DSM. After optimization of growth conditions, F-Base medium was found to be the best medium and pH 7, temperature 35 °C, concentration of CuSO4·5H2O 300 ppm, 10 mL supernatant: 40 mL CuSO4·5H2O (300 ppm), and reaction time 90 min were recorded as the best growth conditions to the fabrication of CuNPs. The formed CuNPs were characterized using initially visual observation of the change in the color of the reaction mixture from blue color to the dark green as an indication of CuNPs biotransformation. Then, UV–Vis spectroscopy showed a maximum absorption at 610 nm under the optimum conditions performed. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed the formation of spherical aspect with size ranges from 10:70 nm; moreover, Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) indicated the presence of CuNPs and other elements. In addition, the presence of alcohols, phenols, alkenes, and amines is confirmed by Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) supported that the Zeta-average size of nanoparticle was 48.07 with 0.227 PdI value. The Zeta potential showed −26.00mV with a single peak. The biosynthesized CuNPs (Bio CuNPs) showed toxicity against the stored grain pest (Tribolium castaneum), where LC50 value was 37 ppm after 5 days of treatment. However, the negligible effect was observed with chemical synthesis of CuNPs (Ch CuNPs) at the same concentration. The results suggest that Bio CuNPs could be used not only as a biocontrol agent, but also as an ecofriendly and inexpensive approach for controlling the stored grain pests.

Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using extract of Dicliptera Roxburghiana, their characterization and photocatalytic activity against methylene blue degradation

In the modern scientific era, nanotechnology isone of the burning field for researchers and scientists because of their applications in a number of areas. The synthesis of nanoparticles (particles having size 1-100 nm) is also the centre of attraction towards researchers due to its unique chemical and physical properties and wide applications. Nanoparticles can be synthesized by physical, chemical and biological processes also known as green synthesis. Among all of the methods of nanoparticles synthesis, green synthesis is non-toxic, economic and eco-friendly and also applicable to in numerous fields such as medicinal chemistry, catalysis etc. In the present study, we investigate the potential of the extract of plant dicliptera roxburghiana towards the synthesis of copper nanoparticles, for which a fixed ratio of plant extract and CuSO4 solution was used. The synthesis of Cu-NPs was initially confirmed by colour change of CuSO4 from blue to brownish green. The synthesized copper nanoparticles were studied and characterized by XRD, FT-IR and UV-Visible spectroscopy and later on subjected towards the photocatalytic degradation of organic dye methylene blue. Surface Plasmon Resonance of Cu-NPs was found to be at 578 nm using UV-Visible analysis and characteristic peak at 517-519 nm of copper nanoparticles were given by FT-IR spectrometer while XRD analysis showed the spherical shape of Cu-NPs having size of 58 nm. The photocatalytic activity of Cu-NPs was also studied in a comparison manner between the Cu-NPs in dried form and Cu-NPs in plant extract solution against methylene blue under sunlight.

Parameter optimization of copper nanoparticle synthesis by electrodeposition process using RSM and CS

Now-a-days, more concentration attention has been given for synthesizing of copper (Cu) nanoparticles due to its excellent physical and chemical properties. Different approaches are available to synthesize the Cu nanoparticles. Electrodeposition is an easier and simple approach to synthesize the Cu nanoparticles with high purity. The properties of Cu nanoparticles depend on their synthesis approach and electrolysis process parameters. In this work, response surface methodology (RSM), cuckoo search (CS) algorithm was used to optimize the electrodeposition process parameters like concentration of CuSO4 (4–6 g l−1), electrode potential difference (12–27 V) and electrode distance (3–5 cm) on mean size of Cu nanoparticles. The mean particle size of 21.55 nm was obtained with the electrodeposition parameters of (4 g l−1) CuSO4, (3 cm) electrode distance and (27 V) electrode potential difference. The particle size obtained from the experimental result was 20 nm which was very closer to the predicted result (21.5 nm). The size and morphology of Cu nanoparticle were analyzed by using scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction technique.

Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Chromolaena odorata (L.) Leaf Extract as A Stabilizing Agent

Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Chromolaena odorata (L.) Leaf Extract as A Stabilizing Agent

Mitigation of microbial biodeterioration and acid corrosion of pipework steel using Citrus reticulata peels extract mediated copper nanoparticles composite

Citrus reticulata (tangerine) peels extract was used to mediate the synthesis of copper nanoparticles (ETP-CuNPs). The product was characterized and applied as inhibitor for steel corrosion induced by 1 M HCl and Desulfovibrio sp. Round-shaped, monodisperse, non-aggregated crystals of zero-valent Cu with sizes between 54 and 72 nm were obtained. ETP-CuNPs triggered a 3-log reduction in Desulfovibio sp population at 1.96 mg/L MIC with biocorrosion inhibition efficiency of 79.8% and 68.4% at 303 K and 333 K respectively. At these temperatures, 1.0 g/L ETP-CuNPs also inhibited acid corrosion with efficiency of 95.3% and 84.6% respectively. Owing to smaller sizes, the nanoparticles more easily permeate through bacteria cell wall to alter their metabolic activities and growth than the extract. In the acid solution, ETP-CuNPs adsorb spontaneously on the steel surface via both physical and chemical mechanism using CC, O–H, C–O and N–H groups from phyto-compounds capped to Cu. Modification of the extract into nanoparticles enhanced the efficiency and better surface protection as determined by electrochemical, weight loss and surface characterization techniques. An alternative cost effective new material for simultaneous inhibition of acid and biocorrosion in the oilfield has therefore been demonstrated in this study.

Synthesis of metallic copper nanoparticles in aqueous solution by surfactant-free reduction and silica coating

A safe, simple, and low environmental impact method for controlling the oxidation and aggregation of metallic copper (Cu) nanoparticles has yet to be developed. This paper describes the synthesis of metallic Cu nanoparticles dispersed in water fabricated by a surfactant-free method and silica coating of metallic Cu nanoparticles. A colloid solution of metallic Cu nanoparticles was prepared from Cu(CH3COO)2 (Cu source), hydrazine (reducing reagent), and citric acid (stabilizer) in water in air. Silica coating of the metallic Cu nanoparticles was performed by adding sodium silicate to the metallic Cu nanoparticles in water. The silica-coated nanoparticles had a particle size of 99.2 ± 34.8 nm, a silica shell thickness of 5.8 nm, and a crystal size of metallic Cu of 28.5 nm. The metallic Cu nanoparticles in the silica-coated particles were not so oxidized even with annealing in air at 200 °C: the silica shells functioned as a physical barrier to control oxidation of the metallic Cu nanoparticles.

Click Electroless Plating and Sonoplating of Polyester with Copper Nanoparticles Producing Conductive Fabric

Here, copper nanoparticles were in situ synthesized on polyester fabric using cost effective chemicals, without stabilizing and sensitizing agents through a simple click electroless plating method to attain the electrical conductive fabric. Central composite design based on response surface methodology was applied to study the influence of copper salt precursor and reducing agent concentration on the electrical resistivity. The best sample with the lowest electrical resistivity was chosen and analyzed and then similar processing conditions were applied under ultrasonic condition besides final fabrics were subjected to the diverse characterizations. Findings suggested the potentiality of the one-pot sonoplating method for fabrication of copper nanoparticles on polyester fabric. The successful synthesis of copper nanoparticles on the polyester fabric was verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. A remarkable low electrical resistivity of 0.5 Ω·cm obtained on the sonotreated samples produced with incorporation of copper nanoparticles. Further, good results indicated on the mechanical properties of the copper treated fabrics. All of the observations perceive the great potential applications of the product in electrical, medical and smart textiles industries.

Numerical and Experimental Studies of the Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles in a High-Pressure Discharge

Numerical and Experimental Studies of the Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles in a High-Pressure Discharge

Ion-beam synthesis of copper nanoparticles in transparent ceramics of aluminum-magnesium spinel

Experimental studies of aluminum-magnesium spinel modified by Cu2+ ions as a result of pulsed ion bombardment were carried out. The analysis of the modified samples with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the presence of metallic copper (Cu0) along with a small amount of oxidized copper at implantation doses of F = 5 × 1016 cm−2. It has been found with optical spectroscopy methods that, intrinsic (F, F+, anti-site) and impurity (Cu-related) optically active centers are formed in the matrix under the action of a beam of accelerated ions, and a complex dependence of the optical absorption intensity of these centers is observed with the increase of the annealing temperature. Experimental data allows us to conclude that the synthesis and evolution of metal nanoparticles formed in the surface layer of transparent ceramics MgAl2O4 showed a number of paradoxical properties, to interpret which a number of new physics of solid state concepts turned out to be adequate: the intermittency concept, which found its implementation in the Mott-Gurney kinetics, and the hierarchy of defective structure, which was realized in the trophic chains of defects.

Microbial synthesis of CuNPs using Brevundimonas diminuta strain and its antibacterial activity

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is an emerging nanoparticle synthesis method due to its simplicity and non-toxicity. In the present study, we report the ability of Brevundimonas diminuta strains obtained from mining soil to synthesize copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). These strains were isolated from mining soil, identified and characterised. A bacterial enzyme, which is a characteristic for this species, was isolated, centrifuged and the resultant supernatant solution was used for nanoparticle synthesis from CuCl2. UV-visible spectrophotometer was used to assess the formation of nanoparticles. The size of the nanoparticles was verified using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and nanoparticle size analyser. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to characterise the chemical nature of the reducing and capping agents present on the nanoparticles. Additionally, the effect of pH, time and concentration of CuCl2 on the CuNPs formation was also investigated. The synthesised nanoparticles showed anti-bacterial activity. The favourable synthesis of stabilised CuNPs demonstrates the relevancy of the isolated Brevundimonas diminuta strain for its bulk synthesis.

Green Synthesis of Encapsulated Copper Nanoparticles Using a Hydroalcoholic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves and Assessment of Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities.

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is a very promising method in green synthesis. The medicinal value of Moringa oleifera leaves and the antimicrobial activity of metallic copper were combined in the present study to synthesize copper nanoparticles having a desirable added-value inorganic material. The use of a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles is an attractive method as it leads to the production of harmless chemicals and reduces waste. The total phenolic content in the M. oleifera leaves extract was 23.0 ± 0.3 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dried M. oleifera leaves powder. The M. oleifera leaves extract was treated with a copper sulphate solution. A color change from brown to black indicates the formation of copper nanoparticles. Characterization of the synthesized copper nanoparticles was performed using ultraviolet-visible light (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The synthesized copper nanoparticles have an amorphous nature and particle size of 35.8-49.2 nm. We demonstrate that the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles display considerable antioxidant activity. Moreover, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles exert considerable anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC values for the extract: 500, 250, 250, and 250 µg/mL; MIC values for the copper nanoparticles: 500, 500, 500, and 250 µg/mL, respectively). Similarly, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized copper nanoparticles exert relatively stronger anti-fungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata (MIC values for the extract: 62.5, 62.5, 125, and 250 µg/mL; MIC values for the copper nanoparticles: 125, 125, 62.5, and 31.2 µg/mL, respectively). Our study reveals that the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves was successful. In addition, the synthesized copper nanoparticles can be potentially employed in the treatment of various microbial infections due to their reported antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activities.

Chemical characterization and therapeutic properties ofAchillea biebersteiniileaf aqueous extract synthesized copper nanoparticles against methamphetamine‐induced cell death in PC12: A study in the nanotechnology and neurology fields

Recently, scientist have used metallic nanoparticles for synthesizing many new drugs in the field of neurology. One of the metals used in the metallic nanoparticles is copper. The role ofAchillea biebersteiniiin increasing the physiological activities of central nervous system in Iranian traditional medicine is well known. In this study fresh leaves ofA. biebersteiniiwere used for the biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles. We also assessed the effect of copper nanoparticles on methamphetamine‐induced cell death in the PC12 cell line. The nanoparticles were analyzed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. A 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging experiment was carried out to assess the antioxidant properties of Cu(NO3)2,A. biebersteinii, and CuNPs. The DPPH test revealed similar antioxidant activities forA. biebersteinii, CuNPs, and butylated hydroxytoluene. In the cellular and molecular part of the present study, the Trypan blue test was performed to assess cell viability. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase 2′‐Deoxyuridine, 5′‐Triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling test clarified the DNA fragmentation and apoptosis occurrence. The Griess reaction was used to measure nitric oxide production and caspase‐3 activity was evaluated by spectrophotometry. The obtained results were fed into SPSS‐22 software and analyzed by one‐way ANOVA, followed by Tukey'spost hoctest (p≤ 0.01). The results indicate that both doses of CuNPs had cell death‐suppressing effects on nerve cells. In particular, both doses of CuNPs significantly (p≤ 0.01) increased cell viability and NO production, and decreased cell cytotoxicity, cell death index, and caspase‐3 activity near the normal. According to these results, it seems that CuNPs could be administrated as a neuroprotective supplement or drug for the treatment of central nervous system disorders in clinical trials.

Antinociceptive effects of green synthesized copper nanoparticles alone or in combination with morphine.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of biosynthetic copper nanoparticles from aqueous extract of Capparis spinosa fruit.MethodsIn this study, green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) was performed using C. spinosa extract according to the method described previously. The synthesized CuNPs were characterized using the UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms of infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The antinociceptive effect of CuNPs was evaluated by tail-flick, hot-plate, and rotarod tests following the oral administration of mice with CuNPs at the concentrations of 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg for two weeks.ResultsThe obtained maximum peak at the wavelength of 414 nm demonstrated the biosynthesis of the copper nanoparticles. SEM approved the particle size of CuNPs between 17 and 41 nm. The statistical analyses of the data of hot plate and tail-flick tests showed the potent analgesic effect of biosynthetic CuNPs. In this regard, the antinociceptive effect of at the doses of 75 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg plus morphine was significantly higher in comparison with the control group receiving morphine alone (P < 0.05). No significant (p > 0.05) difference was observed after the administration of CuNPs at the doses of 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg in the sensory-motor test.ConclusionThe present investigation demonstrated the analgesic effects of CuNPs especially in combination with morphine. These findings can provide a new strategy for producing new antinociceptive medications in the future.

A Directed Route to Colloidal Nanoparticle Synthesis of the Copper Selenophosphate Cu3 PSe4.

The first colloidal nanoparticle synthesis of the copper selenophosphate Cu3 PSe4 , a promising new material for photovoltaics, is reported. Because the formation of binary copper selenide impurities seemed to form more readily, two approaches were developed to install phosphorus bonds directly: 1) the synthesis of molecular P4 Se3 and subsequent reaction with a copper precursor, (P-Se)+Cu, and 2) the synthesis of copper phosphide, Cu3 P, nanoparticles and subsequent reaction with a selenium precursor, (Cu-P)+Se. The isolation and purification of Cu3 P nanoparticles and subsequent selenization yielded phase-pure Cu3 PSe4 . Solvent effects and Se precursor reactivities were elucidated and were key to understanding the final reaction conditions.

A Directed Route to Colloidal Nanoparticle Synthesis of the Copper Selenophosphate Cu3PSe4

AbstractThe first colloidal nanoparticle synthesis of the copper selenophosphate Cu3PSe4, a promising new material for photovoltaics, is reported. Because the formation of binary copper selenide impurities seemed to form more readily, two approaches were developed to install phosphorus bonds directly: 1) the synthesis of molecular P4Se3 and subsequent reaction with a copper precursor, (P‐Se)+Cu, and 2) the synthesis of copper phosphide, Cu3P, nanoparticles and subsequent reaction with a selenium precursor, (Cu‐P)+Se. The isolation and purification of Cu3P nanoparticles and subsequent selenization yielded phase‐pure Cu3PSe4. Solvent effects and Se precursor reactivities were elucidated and were key to understanding the final reaction conditions.