Preparation of Copper Nanoparticles in Liquid by Matrix Sputtering Process

Abstract

As a new method for nanoparticles preparation, magnetron sputtering of metal atoms and clusters into organic liquids has been intensively used recently. In this study, metallic copper nanoparticles dispersed in pentaerythritol ethoxylate were prepared by this process. Their size control was achieved by controlling the sputtering current. Specific absorption at ca. 580 nm was detected by UV-Vis measurement which is attributed to the specific plasmon absorption of metallic copper. TEM observation also revealed the formation of metallic nanoparticles.

Sputtering onto a liquid: interesting physical preparation method for multi-metallic nanoparticles

“…The anion and cation effect and the stabilization capability of ionic liquid for NPs have been also investigated and discussed elsewhere [55][56][57]. On the other hand, liquid monomers, which can be polymerized in the succeeding step, or liquid polymers were then used as a capture medium in sputtering [58][59][60][61][62][63]. This resulted in a composite of NPs embedded in a polymer matrix, which functions as a solid material [58,59,62].…”

Highly stable and blue-emitting copper nanocluster dispersion prepared by magnetron sputtering over liquid polymer matrix

“…On the other hand, physical processes [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] (cluster beam deposition, 17 sputtering [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] ) that do not need reducing agents, have been used to produce metal nanoclusters from the bulk metal source. The great advantage of these techniques over chemical reduction methods is the high purity of the nanoclusters that can be achieved, as the synthesis is done under vacuum conditions using a controlled atmosphere.…”

“…Recent progress in sputtering has shown that introducing a liquid substrate to replace the solid ones allowed for direct preparation of liquid dispersion of nanoclusters. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26] The liquid substrates are based on molten salts and low vapour pressure liquids such as liquid polymer, [22][23][24][25][26] vegetable oil, 30 and ionic liquids. 20,21,27 Moreover, when stabilizing molecules are added into the liquid substrate or sputtering atmosphere, it is possible to control particle size and properties (oxidation, surface functionalization, plasmonic/ uorescent properties).…”

“…20,21,27 Moreover, when stabilizing molecules are added into the liquid substrate or sputtering atmosphere, it is possible to control particle size and properties (oxidation, surface functionalization, plasmonic/ uorescent properties). Previous works reported successful preparation of gold, 20,[22][23][24]27 silver, 26 and plasmonic copper 25 nanoparticles with controllable sizes. In particular, our previous report on matrix sputtering of copper shows that metallic copper nanoparticles with plasmonic properties could be prepared.…”

A Novel Physical Approach for Cationic–Thiolate Protected Fluorescent Gold Nanoparticles

“…Recently, metal sputtering over liquid matrix 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 has been demonstrated in order to prepare colloidal metal NPs without the use of reductants. Moreover, we have developed this approach for organic–protected metal NPs, and termed it as the “matrix sputtering method” 18 19 20 21 22 23 . In a sputtering process, argon or nitrogen is ionized by a high voltage, which then attacks the target metal.…”