Novel Method for the Preparation of Copper Phthalocyanin Blue Nanoparticles in an Electrochemical Cell Irradiated by Microwave (RESEARCH NOTE)

Combined electrochemical and hydrothermal assisted by microwave was used for the preparation of copper phthalocyanin blue (Cu Pc) nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 5 to 35 nm. Phthalic anhydride, urea and ammonium molybdate catalyst were dissolved in aqueous solution of 1 M NH4Cl containing a small amount of lauric acid as capping agent to suppress the flocculation of pigment. Electrodes were a copper plate as anode and a graphite rod as cathode. The cell was irritated with microwave the solution was stirred and a potential about-0.34 V was applied to the electrolysis cell. The copper (II) ion generated by anodic dissolution of copper electrode reacts with other initial materials dissolved in NH4Cl solution to produce CuPc. The yield and purity of CuPc is increased and the reaction time and energy consumption are considerably decreased. The product was characterized by 13C NMR, UV-Vis, reflectance spectra, particle size measurement and elemental micro analysis. The procedure of CuPc preparation was optimized using a Taguchi experimental design.