Aminoclay: a permselective matrix to stabilize copper nanoparticles

Abstract

Air sensitive copper nanoparticles have been stabilized using a water soluble aminoclay matrix. The aminoclay shows remarkable permselective behaviour allowing only the ionic species to diffuse through it and react with copper nanoparticles. It blocks the neutral molecule oxygen, thereby stabilizing the copper nanoparticles against oxidation for a longer period.