Synthesis of high-concentration Cu nanoparticles in aqueous CTAB solutions

Pure metallic Cu nanoparticles at a high concentration (up to 0.2 M) have been synthesized by the reduction of cupric chloride with hydrazine in the aqueous CTAB solution. The input of extra inert gases was not necessary. The use of ammonia solution for the adjustment of solution pH up to 10 and the use of hydrazine as a reducing agent in a capped reaction bottle are crucial for the synthesis of pure Cu nanoparticles. The reaction solution finally became wine-reddish and its UV/vis absorption spectrum exhibited an absorption band at 574 nm, revealing the formation of metallic Cu nanoparticles. By the analysis of electron diffraction pattern, EDS, XRD, and XPS, the resultant particles were confirmed to be pure Cu with a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure. From the TEM analysis, it was found that the mean diameter of Cu nanoparticles first decreased and then approached a constant with the increase of hydrazine concentration. In addition, the CTAB concentration had not significant influence on the size of Cu nanoparticles. Also, TG analysis indicated that there were two weight-loss steps for the CTAB-capped Cu nanoparticles. It was suggested that a bilayer structure of CTAB was formed on the surface of Cu nanoparticles to prevent from the particle agglomeration. The synthesis method reported in this work might be helpful for the large-scale production of Cu nanoparticles.