Eur. Phys. J. D 16, 313-316 (2001)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s100530170118

Preparation of Cu₂O nanoparticles dispersed in NH₂-terminated polyethyleneoxide matrix

¹ Division of Molecular Science, The Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kobe University, Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
² Engineer Application Research Sect., Research and Development Division, Mitsuboshi Belting, Ltd., Hamazoe-dori, Nagata, Kobe 653-0024, Japan
³ Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kobe University, Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan

Corresponding author: ^a yanagimoto@cx2.cx.kobe-u.ac.jp

Received: 29 November 2000
Published online: 15 September 2001

Abstract

Small Copper (I) oxide, Cu₂O, nanoparticles dispersed in diamine-terminated polyethyleneoxide (PEO-NH₂) matrix have been successfully prepared by vacuum evaporation of copper onto the molten PEO-NH₂. The obtained composite were characterized by TEM, electron diffraction, TG-DTA and FT-IR spectroscopy. The stable composite, in which the Cu₂O nanoparticles are stabilized through interaction between DNH₂ chain end groups of PEO molecules and Cu₂O nanoparticles was obtained when the samples were heat-treated at 110 C. The mean size of the Cu₂O nanoparticles increased from 2.5 to 3.5 nm in diameter upon increasing the amount of initial Cu deposition. The obtained composite material having a waxy texture was soluble in many solvents without aggregation and can be handled as a simple chemical compound for starting material in various applications.