[Reupload] Synthesis of Colloidal Copper Hydrosols

The antimicrobial properties of copper are well understood, however the effectiveness of nanoparticles applied directly to fabrics is not widely documented. The goal of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of spray-applied colloidal copper at killing microorganisms on fabrics and what, if any, benefit it confers to personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks.

This video demonstrates a lab procedure for the synthesis of colloidal copper hydrosols (copper nanoparticles suspended in liquid) suitable for spray application on to textiles.

A wet chemistry method is used to form elemental copper in suspension (hydrosol) by reduction of a copper salt in the presence of a "capping agent" to control particle morphology. The sol's copper concentration and viscosity can be manipulated and then evaluated for antimicrobial properties and suitability for spray-application on to fabrics.

------------------------------

References:

Yu, W., Xie, H., Chen, L. et al. Synthesis and Characterization of Monodispersed Copper Colloids in Polar Solvents. Nanoscale Res Lett 4, 465 (2009). doi.org/10.1007/s11671-009-9264-3

Yu, Kochmarev & Saikova, S., et al., (2013). Synthesizing Highly Concentrated Hydrosols of Copper Nanoparticles via Reduction by Ascorbic Acid in the Presence of Gelatose. Chemistry for Sustainable Development. 4. 403-409.

Dang, Thi & Le, Thi & Fribourg-Blanc, Eric & Dang, Chien. (2011). Synthesis and optical properties of copper nanoparticles prepared by a chemical reduction method. Advances in Natural Sciences: Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. 2. 015009. 10.1088/2043-6262/2/1/015009.

Kane, Eugene Joseph, The preparation of colloidal dispersions of copper (1934). Masters Theses 1911 - February 2014. 1652. Retrieved from scholarworks.umass.edu/theses/1652