Preparation, Characterization and Stabilization of Nano- sized Copper Particles

Cu nanoparticles dispersed in water were prepared by the reduction of Cu originated from the copper salt solution. The stability of the Cu nanoparticles in dispersion was monitored through the analysis of the absorbance spectra at different stages during the process of synthesis. The stability of the Cu nanoparticles dispersed in aqueous medium was investigated after different time intervals. Cu colloid was found to be stable up to 18 hours without major aggregation under atmospheric condition. The size and size distribution of the particles were examined by particle size analyzer. The morphology of the particle synthesised was examined by SEM and AFM. After 24 hours of storage in open air there was some agglomeration of nanoparticles as observed by particle size analyzer and AFM studies. But found stable with the use of 1 % trisodium citrate as stabilizer.