The thermal behavior of the synthesis of Cu–BTA composite nanoparticles by thermal decomposition

The project aims to introduce the method of thermal decomposition to synthesize the dispersed Cu–benzotriazole (BTA) composite nanoparticles. The experiment was conducted through the reaction of CuCl2 aqueous solution and BTA in HCl aqueous solution. As previously noted, the structure of BTA was capped on the surface of Cu nanoparticles. BTA is significant for Cu–BTA composite nanoparticles because it acts as a protector of oxidation of Cu nanoparticle in various concentrations. Furthermore, experimental results revealed that to protect the oxidation of Cu nanoparticles injecting extra inert gases is not necessary. Through the analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the resultant particles were confirmed to have benzotriazole-capped copper with a face centered cubic (FCC) structure. Besides, it was proved that a bilayer structure of BTA was formed on the surface of Cu nanoparticles to prevent the particle agglomeration. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) photomicrographs and particle size analyzer by dynamic light scattering (DLS) present nanoparticle size about 10 nm and narrow size distribution.