One-Pot Ultrafast Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Copper and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles

A method of synthesis is presented for the rapid preparation of copper, copper oxide and mixed copper oxide-copper nanoparticles employing a conventional home microwave oven. The nanoparticles were characterized by SEM, XRD and UV-visible spectroscopy. The size and the composition of the nanoparticles were controlled by the heating time. Cuprous oxide nanoparticles were obtained at short heating times and copper nanoparticles at longer times, while mixed cuprous oxide-copper nanoparticles where obtained in an in between window of time.