Effortless green synthesis of zero-valent copper nanoparticles

Abstract

We present a direct, environmentally friendly approach for synthesizing porous zero-valent copper nanoparticles utilizing green tea as both a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesis procedure was efficient, economical, and eco-friendly. The impact of the reactants' mixing ratio was examined. Optimal yield, around 70%, was attained at 158°F with stirring for 2 hours at 1000 revolutions per minute. The resulting pellet was rinsed three times with distilled water and ethanol. The nanoparticles were dehydrated in a hot air oven at 122 °F. Nanoparticle formation was confirmed via visible color change, UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), zeta potential measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XRD analysis revealed that the particles exhibited an average crystallite size of around 25 nm. SEM scans validate its oval morphology.