Comparative Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Various Reduction Methods: Size Control, Stability, and Environmental Considerations

Abstract

The present work investigates three strategies for the production of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs): sodium borohydride reduction, ascorbic acid reduction, and reduction without reducing agent. Analyzed were the size distribution, stability, and ecological sustainability potential of the produced nanoparticles. The sodium borohydride reduction method yielded the most uniform and diminutive nanoparticles, with an average diameter of 8 ± 2 nm. This characteristic made it the optimal selection for applications necessitating meticulous control of dimensions, such as in the fields of electronics and catalysis. Although the reduction of ascorbic acid resulted in the formation of considerably bigger nanoparticles measuring 15 ± 5 nm, it provided a much more environmentally friendly manufacturing approach that was well-suited for biological applications. Although the experiments showed that stabilizers might be advantageous in lowering copper ions, the technique without a reducing agent produced the biggest and least consistent nanoparticles, measuring 25 ± 8 nm. The results indicate that modulating the size of nanoparticles incurs both advantages and disadvantages. Among the options considered, sodium borohydride offers the most consistent size distribution, although ascorbic acid is the most environmentally friendly. For the purpose of enhancing particle stability and improving nanoparticle production, future study should investigate more environmentally friendly reducing agents and optimize reaction parameters.

Keywords

• cu nanoparticles
• synthesis
• characterization
• applications
• properties