Synthesis of copper and copper(I) oxide nanoparticles by thermal decomposition of a new precursor

The present investigation reports, the novel synthesis of nanoparticles Cu and Cu2O using thermal decomposition and its physicochemical characterization. The nanoparticles copper powder have been prepared using [Bis(salicylidiminato)copper(II)], [Cu(sal)(2)], as precursor. Cu nanoparticles are initially formed and subsequently oxidized to form Cu2O. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis demonstrated nanoparticles Cu2O with ail average diameter of about 10 nm. As-prepared copper nano-particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD analysis revealed broad pattern for fcc crystal structure of copper metal and Cubic cuprite structure for Cu2O. Optical absorption measured by UV-visible spectroscopy was Wed to monitor oxidation course Of CU -> Cu2O and to determine the band-gap energy about 2.4 eV for Cu2O nanoshells. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.