(231f) Synthesis and Phase Transfer of Oxidation Resistant Copper Nanoparticles to Various Organic Solvents

Metallic copper nanoparticles are difficult to synthesize because of its low resistance to oxidation in compared to other noble metals. In this work we show a new and facile way to synthesize metallic and oxidation resistant copper nanoparticles in aqueous and organic phase. The aqueous phase oxidation resistant copper nanoparticle has been synthesized by using borohydride reduction of copper salt and it has been shown that excess borohydride maintains a reducing atmosphere in which copper particles remains metallic without any significant oxidation for at least two hours. Even blowing air could not destabilize/oxidize those particles.

Such particles could readily be transferred into a variety of organic solvents including hexane, toluene and chloroform. The efficiency of transfer depends on various properties of the solvent. The phase transfer process has been optimized for various organic solvents and the effeciency has been quantified. Interesting particle pattern forms on the glass substrate during phase transfer which also been investigated.