Novel synthesis of copper nanoparticles: influence of the synthesis conditions on the particle size

This paper presents a novel method for the preparation of copper nanoparticles by reducing CuSO4 with hydrazine in ethylene glycol under microwave irradiation. The influences of reaction parameters such as molar ratios of N2H4·H2O /CuSO4 and NaOH/CuSO4, heating method and reaction temperature on the particle size and composition of powder were investigated by x-ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and particle size analysis. Well-dispersed copper nanopowder with a diameter of about 15 nm was obtained in the absence of a protective polymer.