Solution/Ammonolysis Syntheses of Unsupported and Silica-Supported Copper(I) Nitride Nanostructures from Oxidic Precursors

Herein we describe an alternative strategy to achieve the preparation of nanoscale Cu3N. Copper(II) oxide/hydroxide nanopowder precursors were successfully fabricated by solution methods. Ammonolysis oxidic can be achieved essentially pseudomorphically produce either unsupported or supported nanoparticles nitride. Hence, Cu3N particles with diverse morphologies synthesized from oxygen-containing in two-step processes combining solvothermal and solid?gas ammonolysis stages. The single-phase hydroxochloride precursor, Cu2(OH)3Cl was prepared solution-state synthesis CuCl2·2H2O urea, crystallising atacamite structure. Alternative precursors, CuO Cu(OH)2, obtained after subsequent treatment NaOH solution. Cu3N, form micro- nanorods, sole product formed using Cu(OH)2. Conversely, dicopper trihydroxide chloride resulted two-phase mixtures monoamine, Cu(NH3)Cl under similar experimental conditions. Importantly, this pathway is applicable afford composite materials incorporating substrates matrices that are resistant ammoniation at relatively low temperatures (ca. 300 °C). We present preliminary evidence Cu3N/SiO2 nanocomposites (up ca. 5 wt.% on SiO2) could urea starting following reaction steps. Evidence suggests case confined within porous SiO2 matrix.