Synthesis of Copper Particles by Non‐thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet

Abstract

The present study reveals the synthesis of metallic particles at atmospheric pressure using a radiofrequency low‐temperature argon plasma jet. Copper bulk material of the powered electrode acted as solid precursor in the process and the metallic particles were obtained directly in gaseous environment. The particles were collected onto Si (100)‐oriented substrates downstream of the atmospheric plasma jet and were ex situ characterized via optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. We obtained copper particles, reddish brown in color, either of nano‐ or micro‐metric sizes. Additionally, the plasma species and gas temperature were determined by OES. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that conversion of bulk metals into particles is possible at atmospheric pressure using a radiofrequency plasma jet and the development of several applications is recommended.