Synergistic Effect of the Oleic Acid and Oleylamine Mixed-Liquid Matrix on Particle Size and Stability of Sputtered Metal Nanoparticles
Mai Thanh Nguyen, Krittaporn Wongrujipairoj, Hiroki Tsukamoto, Soorathep Kheawhom, Shuang Mei, Vipada Aupama, Tetsu Yonezawa
Abstract
This research investigates the impact of mixing oleylamine and oleic acid as a liquid matrix for sputtering of metal nanoparticles and the mixed-liquid composition on the particle size, uniformity, and their colloidal and oxidation stability. The case study was conducted for Au and Cu, which are noble and non-noble metals, respectively. The results reveal that the mixed liquids are more effective in producing smaller and more uniform metal nanoparticles. Smallest Au nanoparticles with highly colloidal stability over a year were obtained with an equal volume of OA and OAm. OA/OAm 1/1 (v/v) also exhibited the best protection effect from oxidation for Cu nanoparticles. The results can be attributed to the improved viscosity and synergistic protecting capability of the mixed liquids compared with the single-component liquids.