Copper Nanoparticle Synthesis via Organic Phase Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing copper nanoparticles result in unstable particles that degrade in air and have poor dispersity in lubricants, making them unsuitable for commercial use in the lubricant industry.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the reaction of an aqueous copper salt solution with a reducing agent, followed by the addition of an apolar organic solution containing an extracting agent like alkyl dithiocarbonic acid or dithiophosphoric acid, which transfers the copper nanoparticles into an organic system, modifying their surface and enhancing stability and dispersity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical methods (vacuum vaporization coating, sputtering) are used to prepare copper nanoparticle powders, then the nanoparticles can be produced, but they degrade in air due to oxidation and have poor dispersity in solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary organic solvent system with extracting agents (alkyl dithiocarbonic acid, O,O'-dialkyl dithiophosphoric acid, or dialkylamino dithioformic acid) that mediates between the aqueous reaction medium and the final nanoparticle product. This intermediary organic phase stabilizes the copper nanoparticles through surface coordination, preventing oxidation and improving dispersity while maintaining ease of manufacture through a simple liquid-liquid extraction process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical environment parameters by transitioning from an aqueous system to an organic system. The copper nanoparticles are first formed in aqueous solution using reducing agents (hydrazine hydrate, sodium borohydride, or sodium hypophosphite), then transferred to an organic solvent system where their surface properties are modified. This parameter change (from aqueous to organic environment) fundamentally improves their stability and dispersity while keeping the process manufacturable
2Ease of manufacture
If chemical reducing methods are used to produce copper nanoparticles, then production cost is reduced, but the nanoparticles are unstable in air and have poor dispersity in lubricants
Solution Approach 1:
The organic solvent system acts as an intermediary that stabilizes the chemically produced copper nanoparticles. The extracting agents in the organic phase coordinate with the nanoparticle surfaces, creating a protective interface that prevents air oxidation and ensures stable dispersity in lubricant applications, while maintaining the low cost advantage of chemical reduction methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system where copper nanoparticles are combined with organic solvent and extracting agent molecules. This composite organic-aqueous system provides both the cost benefit of chemical production and the stability benefits of organic stabilization, with the extracting agent molecules forming a protective shell around the copper nanoparticles
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional chemical methods are used, then copper nanoparticles can be produced, but they exhibit aggregation and precipitation due to poor dispersity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent system parameter from aqueous to organic, which fundamentally alters the interaction between copper nanoparticles and the solvent. The organic solvent system with its specific extracting agents provides better compatibility and dispersity for the copper nanoparticles, preventing aggregation and precipitation while maintaining production simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The organic extracting agents serve as intermediaries that improve the interface between copper nanoparticles and the solvent system. These intermediaries (alkyl dithiocarbonic acid, O,O'-dialkyl dithiophosphoric acid, or dialkylamino dithioformic acid) coordinate with nanoparticle surfaces and facilitate uniform dispersion throughout the organic solvent, eliminating aggregation and precipitation issues
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process produces copper nanoparticles with high stability and uniform dispersity in organic solvents, suitable for use as lubricant additives, with controlled particle diameters and low production costs, enabling mass industrial production.
Implementation Method 1
reacting an aqueous solution containing a reductant with an aqueous solution of a copper salt
Implementation Method 2
adding an apolar organic solution containing the extracting agent and continuing the stirring
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a process for producing copper nanoparticles, comprising steps of: a) reacting an aqueous solution containing a reductant with an aqueous solution of a copper salt while stirring for 1-8 min, wherein the reductant being one or more selected from a group consisting of hydrazine hydrate, sodium borohydride and sodium hypophosphite; b) adding an apolar organic solution containing the extracting agent and continuing the stirring for 0.5-1.5 hrs, said extracting agent being one or more selected from the group consisting of alkyl dithiocarbonic acid and salts thereof, O,O′-dialkyl dithiophosphoric acid and salts thereof, and dialkylamino dithioformic acid and salts and said apolar organic solution being one selected from the group consisting of benzene, toluene and straight or branched alkanes having 6-12 carbon atoms, wherein the alkyl having 6-20 carbon atoms; and c) post-treating the reaction product to obtain copper nanoparticles.