SiO2 capsulized Cu active nanoparticles: synthesis and activity study

Abstract

Cu active nanoparticles (Cu ANPs) were synthesized in weakly acidic solution to preserve their catalytic activity. SiO₂ capsules were designed to insulate Cu ANPs from oxidation. The weak interaction between SiO₂ capsules and Cu ANPs ensured that the designed nanoparticles had good anti-oxidation property and potentially high activity. The increased anti-oxidation property with thicker SiO₂ capsules (Cu_s3 > Cu_s2 > Cu_s1) and the order of reactivity to oxygen (Cu_s1 = Cu_s2 > Cu_s3) showed that Cu ANPs with SiO₂ capsules (Cu_s2) of appropriate thickness would be the best for application. By using the samples to construct non-enzymatic sensors, the detected activity toward electro-catalytic oxidation of glucose confirmed this conclusion. Dehiscence of SiO₂ capsules recovered the activity of the Cu ANPs in the catalytic ammonium perchlorate (AP) decomposition process. With the addition of 1.5% of Cu ANPs, the high temperature decomposition of AP decreased by 184.2 °C.