Rapid solid state metathesis reactions for the synthesis of copper oxide and other metal oxides

• Published in: Materials research bulletin 1993-09, Vol.28 (9), p.893-900
• Main Authors: Wiley, John B., Gillan, Edward G., Kaner, Richard B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Elements and non-metal compounds (oxides, hydroxides, hydrides, sulfides, carbides, ...); Exact sciences and technology; Inorganic chemistry and origins of life; Preparations and properties
• ISSN: 0025-5408; 1873-4227
• DOI: 10.1016/0025-5408(93)90035-C

Solid state metathesis (exchange) reactions are investigated as a synthetic route to simple metal oxides. These self-propagating exothermic reactions occur between metal halides and alkali metal oxides, and can be easily initiated with a hot filament. CuF 2 and Na 2O 2 for instance, react in seconds to produce copper(II) oxide and sodium fluoride. Highly crystalline, high purity CuO can be isolated by simply washing away the salt byproduct with an appropriate solvent. Other halides (CuCl 2, CuCl, and K 3CuF 6) or oxides (KO 2 and Na 2O) react to form CuO or a mixture of CuO and Cu 2O. Several metal halide - sodium peroxide combinations are found to be effective for the synthesis of simple oxides including Cr 2O 3, Fe 2O 3, and ZnO.