The particle size of copper oxide can vary depending on its form and synthesis. For a common high-purity nanopowder form, the average particle size is less than 77 nanometers (<77 nm).
Copper oxide (CuO) is a chemical compound widely used in various applications due to its unique physical and chemical properties, which are significantly influenced by its particle size, especially at the nanoscale.
Key Characteristics of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles
When referring to copper oxide in nanopowder form, specific properties are often associated with its minute particle dimensions. These characteristics are crucial for its performance in applications ranging from catalysis to electronics.
Here’s a breakdown of typical properties for a 99.5% pure copper oxide nanopowder:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Particle Size | < 77 nm |
| Purity | 99.5% |
| Specific Surface Area | > 20 m²/g |
| Bulk Density | 0.8 g/cm³ |
| True Density | 6.5 g/cm³ |
The Significance of Nanoscale Particle Size
A particle size of less than 77 nanometers places copper oxide firmly in the category of nanomaterials. Materials at this scale exhibit significantly different properties compared to their bulk counterparts, primarily due to:
- Increased Surface Area: As particle size decreases, the ratio of surface area to volume dramatically increases. For copper oxide, a specific surface area greater than 20 m²/g highlights this effect. This enhanced surface area is vital for catalytic activity, adsorption processes, and sensor performance.
- Quantum Effects: At the nanoscale, materials can exhibit quantum mechanical properties that influence their electronic, optical, and magnetic behavior.
- Enhanced Reactivity: The higher surface energy associated with smaller particles often leads to increased chemical reactivity, making them excellent candidates for catalysts or reactive coatings.
These characteristics make nanoscale copper oxide valuable in diverse fields, including:
- Catalysis: As catalysts or co-catalysts in various chemical reactions.
- Electronics: In the development of advanced sensors, superconductors, and conductive inks.
- Antimicrobial Agents: For their effectiveness against bacteria and fungi in coatings and medical applications.
- Energy Storage: In electrodes for batteries and supercapacitors.
Understanding the precise particle size and other related properties is fundamental for researchers and engineers to tailor copper oxide for specific high-performance applications.
