Synthesis of Nanosized Copper and Cobalt Particles in Plasma Discharge in a Liquid Under the Effect of Intensive Ultrasound

In this study, copper and cobalt metal nanoparticles were fabricated using a plasma discharge in a hexane and toluene environment influenced by strong ultrasonic cavitation. The resulting nanoparticles were analyzed through methods of dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, and further on, measurements of their surface electrokinetic potential. The findings indicate that the particles were spherical, measuring approximately 20 to 80 nm in size, and demonstrated substantial resistance to aggregation as well as to sedimentation.

The electrokinetic potential values of the nanoparticle surfaces were monitored during their interaction with the water-soluble polymer polyvinyl alcohol. It was demonstrated that ultrasonic effects positively impacted the electrokinetic potential of the metal nanoparticle surfaces. Additionally, the experiments highlighted the potential for conducting high-temperature plasma-chemical reactions that could be utilized in fusion technology.

Additional study in this area has demonstrated that nanoparticles of different compositions, created under these conditions, possess an active surface featuring many unbalanced bonds and defects due to intensive ultrasonic treatment. This enables them to effectively engage with both organic and inorganic substances and matrices, and moreover, facilitate the development of new hybrid organic-inorganic composite materials.