Preparation of Cu2O nanoparticles dispersed in NH2-terminated polyethyleneoxide matrix

Small Copper (I) oxide, Cu2O, nanoparticles dispersed in diamine-terminated polyethyleneoxide (PEO-NH2) matrix have been successfully prepared by vacu um evaporation of copper onto the molten PEO-NH2. The obtained composite we re characterized by TEM, electron diffraction, TG-DTA and FT-IR spectroscop y. The stable composite, in Which the Cu2O nanoparticles are stabilized thr ough interaction between NH2 chain end groups of PEO molecules and Cu2O nan oparticles was obtained when the samples were heat-treated at 110 degreesC. The mean size of the Cu2O nanoparticles increased from 2.5 to 3.5 nm in di ameter upon increasing the amount of initial Cu deposition. The obtained co mposite material having a waxy texture was soluble in many solvents without aggregation and can be handled as a simple chemical compound for starting material in various applications.