Synthesis of oleate capped Cu nanoparticles by thermal decomposition

A method has been introduced to produce monodispersed copper nanoparticle using thermal decomposition of Cu-oleate complex, which was prepared by the reaction of CuCl2 with sodium oleate in water solution. Sodium oleate acts as a stabilizer of the Cu nanoparticles and protector of oxidation of Cu nanoparticles in various concentrations. We also found that no extra inert gases for protecting the oxidation of Cu nanoparticles were necessary. By TGA measurement, thermal decompositions of Cu-oleate complexes were observed. TEM data show that at 0.05 M oleate concentration, spherical copper nanoparticles are prepared, but at high concentration (0.3 M), large lumps are formed. This method can be easily increased scale up for industrial purpose. We confirm that these nanoparticles are very pure copper. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.