Preparation and particle size characterization of Cu nanoparticles prepared by anodic arc plasma

Copper nanoparticles were successfully prepared in large scale by means of anodic arc discharging plasma method in inert atmosphere. The particle size, specific surface area, crystal structure, and morphology of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET equation, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the corresponding selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The experimental results indicate that the crystal structure of the samples is fee structure the same as that of the bulk materials. The specific surface area is 11 m2/g, the particle size distribution is 30 to 90 nm, and the average particle size is about 67 nm obtained from TEM and confirmed from XRD and BET results. The nanoparticles with uniform size, high purity, narrow size distribution and spherical shape can be prepared by this convenient and effective method.