Preparation and Particle Size Characterization of Cu Nanoparticles Prepared by Anodic Arc Plasma

Copper nanoparticles were successfully prepared in large scales by means of anodic arc discharging plasma method in inert atmosphere. The particle size, specific surface area, crystal structure and morphology of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET equation, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the corresponding selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The experiment results indicate that the crystal structure of the samples is fcc structure as same as that of the bulk materials. The specific surface area is is 11 m2/g, with the particle size distribution ranging from 30 to 90 nm, the average particle size about 67nm obtained from TEM and confirmed from XRD and BET results. The nanoparticles have uniform size, higher purity, narrow size distribution and spherical shape can be prepared by this convenient and effective method.