Preparation and stability of copper particles formed using the template of hyperbranched poly(amine-ester)

The sixth-generation hydroxyl-ended hyperbranched poly(amine-ester) (G6-OH) was investigated as template in formation and stabilization of copper nanoparticles. Ultra-violet spectra and transmission electron microscope were adopted to characterize absorption properties of G6-OH(Cu2+)(n) complex and the morphology of the formed particles (G6-OH(Cu)(n)), respectively. The template and stabilization functions of G6-OH were compared with di-block copolymer micelles and dendrimers having similar structure. It was found that the hyperbranched polymers could act as the templates for the preparation of copper particles. The size of the formed copper particles increased with Cu2+/Gn-OH molar ratio. Besides, the oxygen influenced the chemistry stability of copper particles greatly.