Preparation of Copper (Cu) and Copper Oxide (Cu<sub>2</sub>O) Nanoparticles under Supercritical Conditions

Abstract

Temperature and pressure, both of which can affect the supersaturation and nucleation are responsible for solvents properties. In this study, we use water as solvent under supercritical conditions and report copper (Cu) and (Cu2O) nanoparticles of size ranging from 9nm to 60nms. This synthetic technique has the following advantages: Firstly, it is one step synthesis approach, making it easy to control the growth kinetics. Secondly, the synthesis needs no sophisticated equipments. Thirdly, the approach is non-toxic without producing hazardous waste as water is being used as solvent as well as source of oxygen. Forth, it is a surfactant free synthesis and has bright prospects.