Hydrothermal Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles: Study on Effects of Operational Conditions on Yield, Purity, and Size of the Nanoparticles

• Published in: Industrial & engineering chemistry research 2011-03, Vol.50 (6), p.3540-3554
• Main Authors: Outokesh, M, Hosseinpour, M, Ahmadi, S. J, Mousavand, T, Sadjadi, S, Soltanian, W
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical engineering; Exact sciences and technology; General Research
• ISSN: 0888-5885; 1520-5045
• DOI: 10.1021/ie1017089

Hydrothermal synthesis of CuO nanoparticles under near-critical and supercritical conditions was investigated from two different standpoints in the current study. The first standpoint was optimization of “yield”, “purity”, and “size of the nanoparticles” that were optimized at T = 500 °C, time = 2 h, [Cu(NO3)2] = 0.1 mol dm−3, and pH 3. This was achieved by undertaking an orthogonal experiment design methodology and performing different instrumental analyses, such as X-ray diffractometry, inductively coupled plasma spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy, along with treatment of the data by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The second goal of the study was elucidation of the mechanisms of effects of operational conditions (e.g., temperature) on the above-mentioned target parameters, through application of the appropriate mechanisms of formation of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles are suggested to form initially in the liquid phase as Cu(OH)2, which are later transformed to Cu2(OH)3NO3, through which CuO product is obtained. Decomposition of nitric acid also plays role in this mechanism. Fabricated nanoparticles are effective catalysts for the synthesis of benzoheterocycle compounds in the pharmaceutical industries.