Novel synthesis of copper nanoparticles: influence of the synthesis conditions on the particle size

This paper presents a novel method for the preparation of copper nanoparticles by reducing CuSO4 with hydrazine in ethylene glycol Under microwave irradiation. The influences of reaction parameters such as molar ratios of N2H4 center dot H2O/CuSO4 and NaOH/CuSO4, heating method and reaction temperature on the particle size and composition of powder were investigated by x-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and particle size analysis. Well-dispersed copper nanopowder with a diameter of about 15 nm was obtained in the absence of a protective polymer.