Copper and copper oxide nanoparticles in a cellulose support studied using anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering

Abstract

Abstract. Microcrystalline cellulose is a porous natural material which can be used both as a support for nanoparticles and as a reducer of metal ions. Cellulose supported nanoparticles can act as catalysts in many reactions. Cu, CuO, and Cu2O particles were prepared in microcrystalline cellulose by adding a solution of copper salt to the insoluble cellulose matrix and by reducing the copper ions with several reducers. The porous nanocomposites were studied using anomalous small angle x-ray scattering (ASAXS), x-ray absorption spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction. Reduction of Cu 2+ with cellulose in ammonium hydrate medium yielded crystalline CuO nanoparticles and the crystallite size was about 6 -20 nm irrespective of the copper concentration. The size distribution of the CuO particles was determined with ASAXS measurements and coincided with the crystallite sizes. Using sodium borohydrate or hydrazine sulfate as a reducer both metallic Cu and Cu2O nanoparticles were obtained and the crystallite size and the oxidation state depended on the amount of reducer.

Incorporation of copper nanoparticles into paper for point-of-use water purification

“…Metallic copper surfaces have been used to prevent bacterial growth in hospitals (Esperito Santo et al, 2011; Molteni et al, 2010). Copper nanoparticles can be incorporated into fibrous materials to act as a long-lasting reservoir of copper ions for enhancing antimicrobial and catalytic activity (Vainio et al, 2007; Bendi and Imae, 2013; Ben-Sasson et al, 2013). Recently, researchers have demonstrated the application of copper nanoparticles to cellulosic materials (Vainio et al, 2007; Bendi and Imae, 2013; Jia et al, 2012; Cady et al, 2011).…”

A novel cellulose–manganese oxide hybrid material by in situ soft chemical synthesis and its application for the removal of Pb(II) from water

“…This kind of hybrid materials shows the inherent properties of the fibers, in particular flexibility and strength, and also the high adsorption properties of the surface bonded nanoparticles. Recently, natural cellulose fibers have been used as a substrate for in situ synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles [16,17]. Nanostructure and the high oxygen density of cellulose fibers appear to form an effective nanoreactor, suitable for the in situ synthesis and stabilization of metal nanoparticles [18].…”

Analysis of proton-conducting organic–inorganic hybrid materials based on sulphonated poly(ether ether ketone) and phosphotungstic acid via ASAXS and WAXS

“…2. Anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering [27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] Small-angle X-ray scattering is a standard technique for the analysis of the morphology and microstructure of numerous materials like alloys, chemical solutions, catalysts and membranes. Due to fluctuations of electron density the scattered X-rays give rise to characteristic patterns.…”