Synthesis of Cu nanoparticles for large-scale preparation

Cu nanoparticles have been synthesized by a novel method, where diethanolamine (DEA) is used as reductant, solvent, surface modifier and shape controller. As-obtained nano-copper has been characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS and FT-IR. The results show that the nano-copper particles are cubic. The well-dispersed copper nanocubes are single crystals and antioxidized. Nanocube is not oxidized when exposed to air at room temperature for a year. The precursor concentration has little effect on the size and morphology of the product. In addition, this method is simple; raw materials are cheap that makes it applicable for large-scale preparation of copper nanocubes.

► A novel and simple method for large-scale preparation of nano-copper is proposed.
► As prepared Cu nanoparticles are anti-oxidized even exposed to air for one year.
► Precursor concentration has little effect on the size and morphology of the product.