Metallic Cu is a good catalyst for catalytic conversion of carbonaceous compounds, where C-C bond should be retained and C-O bond cleaves.
A few such reactions are hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2-Propanediol, Photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction etc.
However, it is very difficult to obtain larger BET surface area of Cu nanoparticles unlike noble metals such as Pt, Ru.
What are the best possible ways to obtain larger surface? Nanostructuring, templating or using support are a few possible ways, what I know. I draw your attention on this for best fit.
What is the limiting factor in obtaining the larger surface area of Cu?
Is there a way to retain them in the metallic state without oxidizing for a longer time?
Hi Chandan
Possibly an ultralight Cu foam would be the best material for you application. Please see the attached paper.
Best
Geoff
Is there a way to retain them in the metallic state without oxidizing for a longer time?
Copper is oxidized by air oxygen in Cu2O, CuO. To shift the equilibrium of the reaction toward the formation of copper, it is necessary to reduce the partial pressure of oxygen. It is necessary to carry out the reaction in an environment of inert gas, nitrogen, argon. When reducing copper ions in solution, it is necessary to exclude the dissolution of air oxygen in an inert solvent.
What is the limiting factor in obtaining the larger surface area of Cu?
A large specific surface area of copper can be obtained for a powder or for a porous material. The limiting factor is the same specific surface area. The greater the specific surface area, the better the powder and the porous material are oxidized.Nanopowders of metals spontaneously burn.
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