Highly efficient oxidation resistance of copper via radiation/light-powered bidentate binding of carbon dioxide anion radicals

Abstract

Owing to its electrical and thermal conductivities and ductility, copper metal is extensively used in daily life and conventional industrial production. Moreover, it plays an essential role in the new energy revolution. However, copper materials are highly susceptible to oxidation and various types of corrosion during application, which inevitably lead to performance degradation and severe economic losses. This study reports a novel strategy for preparing antioxidant copper materials by coordinating photo-induced carbon dioxide anion radicals (CO2•-), which are generated by ultraviolet (UV), visible, electron beam, and high-energy γ-rays, with metallic copper surfaces to construct an anti-corrosive binding layer. This novel anti-corrosion technique maintains the electrical and thermal conductivities of copper, while introducing anti-corrosive properties in diverse environments. Compared with conventional anti-corrosion strategies, this technique does not require a high temperature and pressure, and significantly reduces power consumption and environmental pollution. Additionally, the technique is applicable to various sizes and shapes of copper materials and enables the rapid, large-scale preparation of anti-corrosive copper using industrial electron beams.

Keywords

• copper
• light-powered
• anti-oxidation technique
• carbon dioxide anion radicals