Effect of ultrasound radiation on the size and size distribution of synthesized copper particles

Abstract

The effect of ultrasound radiation on the size and size distribution of synthesized copper particles was investigated under various concentrations of ethylene glycol (E.G.) as a capping agent. Monodispersed copper particles were produced by the reduction of an aqueous copper (II) sulfate solution at the presence of hydrazine monohydrate. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the morphology, size, and size distribution of produced particles were influenced by the reducing agent injection rate, capping agent concentration, and sonication. Increasing the injection rate of reducing agent to an amount higher than a critical value decreases the size of copper particles and also converts the monodispersed particles to polydispersed particles. Results of using a sonifier at the reduction stage revealed that finer monodispersed copper particles can be achieved at higher injection rates related to the critical value. Increasing the concentration of E.G. as a capping agent decreases the size of copper particles, while applying ultrasound radiation along with increasing the concentration of E.G. increases the size of copper particles. Morphology of particles varies by the concentration and type of the capping agent. Higher reducing agent injection rates and the application of a sonifier at the instance of reduction result in smaller spherical particles at various capping agent concentrations.