Effect of Lithium Ions on Copper Nanoparticle Size, Shape, and Distribution

Abstract

Copper nanoparticles were synthesized using lithium ions to increase the aqueous electrical conductivity of the solution and precisely control the size, shape, and size distribution of the particles. In this study, the conventional approach of increasing particle size by the concentration of copper ions and PGPPE in a copper chloride solution was compared to increasing the concentration of lithium chloride when the copper chloride concentration was held constant. Particle size and shape were characterized by TEM, and the size distribution of the particles at different concentrations was obtained by particle size analysis. Increasing the concentration of copper ion in the solution greatly increased the aqueous electric conductivity and the size of the particles but led to a wide size distribution ranging from 150 nm to 400 nm and rough particle morphology. The addition of lithium ions increased the size of the particles, but maintains them in a range of 250 nm. In addition the particles exhibited spherical shape as determined by TEM. The addition of lithium ions to the solution has the potential to synthesize nanoparticles with optimal characteristics for printing applications by maintaining a narrow size range and spherical shape.

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Copper Nanoparticles for the Control of Leaf Spot and Anthracnose Diseases of Olive

“…The narrow size distribution and small size ensure a higher antimicrobial activity [ 5 ]. The resulted CuNPs were characterized among the lowest diameters reported in the literature [ 12 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]. In addition, previous studies have shown that size is a key factor for their antimicrobial activity, since the smaller the size, the easiest their penetration into cells and the higher their activity [ 4 , 44 ].…”

Thio-pyridinium capped silver nanoparticle based supramolecular recognition of Cu(i) in real samples and T-lymphocytes

“…The reduction in the size of ThPy-AgNPs after mixing with Cu(I) solution could be attributed to the change in aqueous electrical conductivity of the colloids due to addition of salt solution which causes the particles to further split into a smaller size to overcome the equilibrium disturbance. 19 Another possible explanation for the size reduction of ThPy-AgNPs after interaction with Cu(I) solution may be alloying of metal ions which can link the two metals and hence contract the particle size. 20 Effort towards this aspect is in progress and will be further explored in our future publications.…”