Synthesis of Cu Nanoparticles: Stability and Conversion into Cu2S Nanoparticles by Decomposition of Alkanethiolate
Journal article, 2017

A lean synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu NP) from CuCl2 in dodecane via formation of Cu(I)-dodecanethiolate (Cu(I)-DDT) and their decomposition paths including spontaneous C-S bond cleavage of the alkanethiol on the surface of Cu NP is presented. The reduction of Cu(I)-DDT by the tert-butylamine-borane complex (TBAB) in dodecane under N2 at elevated temperatures leads to the formation of thiol-protected Cu NP with narrow size distribution in the size range of 3-10 nm depending on the reaction conditions. The Cu NP in the presence of excess dodecanethiol reacts further to Cu2S NP under decomposition of the ligand on the particle surface. The Cu2S formation occurs after a short time at T > 175 °C or within ?12 h at room temperature. If excess thiol is removed immediately after the synthesis, the resulting colloid shows irreversible aggregation within days or hours. Our results suggest that alkanethiols are not long-term stable on nanocopper surfaces and that the formation of copper(I) sulfide under the cleavage of the C-S bond occurs even at room temperature.

Author

Christian Rohner

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Anna Pekkari

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Hanna Härelind Ingelsten

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Kasper Moth-Poulsen

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Langmuir

07437463 (ISSN) 15205827 (eISSN)

Vol. 33 46 13272-13276

Areas of Advance

Building Futures (2010-2018)

Roots

Basic sciences

Subject Categories

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Sciences

DOI

10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b02117

More information

Latest update

11/5/2018