Year: 2006
Type: article
Abstract: Copper nanoparticles with a mean carbon coating of about 1 nm were continuously produced at up to 10 g h(-1) using a modified flame spray synthesis unit under highly reducing conditions. Raman spectroscopy and solid state (13)C magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that the thin carbon layer consisted of a sp(2)-hybridized carbon modification in the form of graphene stacks. The carbon layer protected the copper nanoparticles from oxidation in air. Bulk pills of pressed carbon/copper nanoparticles displayed a highly pressure- and temperature-dependent electrical conductivity with sensitivity at least comparable to commercial materials. These properties suggest the use of thin carbon/copper nanocomposites as novel, low-cost sensor materials and offer a metal-based alternative to the currently used brittle oxidic spinels or perovskites.
Source: Nanotechnology
Authors: E K Athanassiou, R N Grass, W J Stark
Institutions: ETH Zurich, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2008197106