Preparation of Cu nanoparticles with controlled particle size and distribution via reaction temperature and sonication

This paper presents metallic copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) that differ according to the process parameters used, such as bath temperature and sonication. The effect of different reactions on the size and distribution of CuNPs that had been formed in ethylene glycol solvent were characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses after extraction from the solvent. The optimal dimensional properties, including size, distribution, and agglomeration, of CuNPs were determined by controlling the reaction temperature. On the other hand, the mechanically induced sonication process enhances the formation of the selective CuNPs because of the many homogeneous interactions among precursors, reducing agents, and capping agents related to the nucleation and growth of CuNPs. The mechanics of the origin of the diverse CuNPs of different size and distribution are discussed. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.