Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles

Copper Oxide Nanoparticles have great interest because their optical, catalytic, mechanical and electrical properties. Copper is a noble metal such as Au and Ag a good alternative material, because it is highly conductive and than they is much more economical. Copper plays due to its excellent electrical conductivity plays an important role in electronic circuits. Copper nanoparticles are cheap and their properties can be controlled according to the synthetic method. Further, in the catalyst, the nanoparticle has a higher efficiency than the particles. Copper nanoparticles are synthesized by different techniques. The most important for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles are chemical methods such as chemical reduction, electrochemical techniques, photochemical reduction and thermal decomposition. Copper nanoparticles can be easily oxidized to form copper oxide. To avoid oxidation, these methods are usually carried out in a non-aqueous medium in low precursor concentration, and under an inert atmosphere (argon, nitrogen).

One of the most important methods for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles is the reduction chemical method. In this technique a copper salt is reduced by a reducing agent such as polyols, sodium borohydride, Hydrazine, Ascorbic acid, hypophosphite . In addition, it is used from capping agents such as Polyethylene glycol and poly (vinylpyrrolidone) . Some of the chemical reducing reactions can be carried out at room temperature. Salzemann et al used microemulsion method to synthesize nanoparticles of copper with size of 3-13 nm. Copper nanoparticles were produced by the polyol method in ambient atmosphere. The obtained nanoparticles were confirmed by XRD to be crystalline copper. SEM study shows that sizes of particles produced were 48±8 nm. Colloidal copper with particle sizes of 40–80 nm has been reported from reduction with sodium borohydride in aqueous solution at room temperature. The copper nanoparticles were stabilized by starch. In 2008, copper nanoparticles were synthesized by the reduction of Cu2+ in solutions of poly(acrylic acid)-pluronic blends results in a stable sol of metallic copper with a particle size below 10 nm. Reduction of copper ions by sodium borohydride in the presence of sodium polyacrylate was reported. Copper nanocrystals sizes were 14 nm. Chatterjee et al. presented a simple method for synthesis of metallic copper nanoparticles using Cucl2 as reducing agent and gelatin as stabilizer with a size of 50-60 nm.

Chemical reduction method is one of the micro-emulsion technology. Microemulsion containing at least three components, i.e. polar phase (typically water), non-polar phase (usually oil) and surfactant isotropic, macroscopically homogeneous and thermodynamically stable solution. Copper nanoparticle synthesis by reducing the non-ionic oil in water used to NaBH 4 (W / O) microemulsion of aqueous cupric chloride solution to achieve. Solanki and so on. Microemulsion reported synthesis of copper and copper sulfide nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that nanoparticles of metallic copper present. In 2013, facile synthesis of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles size adjustable proposed by Kumar et al. They found that the reduction with hydrazine hydrate gives copper nanoparticles in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen, and under aerobic conditions the reaction of sodium borohydride, to give copper (II) oxide nanoparticles. In another study, the copper salt is dissolved in dioxane / -AOT solution and the hydrazine hydrate under vigorous stirring reduced. Nano colloid size of 70-80 nm.

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Current Nanoparticles Technology

Nanotechnology is an emerging high-tech in recent years. “Nano” mainly refers to the nanometer (one length unit of measurement equal to 1 / 1000,000,000 meters) near the material scale, which manifested in different areas and for special performance called “nanotechnology”, its specific definition see the term “nanotechnology.”Copper Oxide Nanoparticles is popular today.

What is nanotechnology? It refers to a field of applied science and technology whose theme is the control of matter on the atomic and molecular levels. It makes compounds very, very small. It is supposed to deliver more effective and faster results. It makes products lighter, stronger, cleaner, and less expensive. This technology has not been thoroughly tested and we don’t know how safe it is; especially on the delicate areas of the face. The FDA has not done much research. As yet, it seems not to have any adverse effects nor have any cases emerged. However, some experts wonder about the safety because when particles get very small, they tend to develop new chemical properties. Nanoparticles can slip through skin layers, and that means they can potentially interact with the immune system and bloodstream, and possibly become toxic and damage tissue.

I did not know anything about nanotechnology until I read an article by Forbes.com, “How to Become a Billionaire.” Pete Newcomb senior editor at Forbes was answering questions on how the rich become rich. He said that to become a billionaire you need to invest, take risks, think outside the box, have big ideas and a great capacity for creative thinking, love what you do, and also think of an idea we haven’t heard of yet. Two industries of interest he mentioned were nanotech and organics. Since I am in the beauty industry and have read about organic cosmetics and not nanotech, I began to do some research. Both of these are growing markets in cosmetics. Even though nanotech was new to me, it has been around for awhile. Nippon Keidaren (Japan Business Federation) is a comprehensive economic organization born in May 2002. They forecasted that nanotech in the domestic market will gross 27 trillion by year 2010. All of the major cosmetics companies like L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, and Shisedio have nanoparticles already in many of their products. A lot of this technology is used in the anti-aging products and in sunscreens.

All major cosmetics companies do test their products and there are laws that cosmetics companies have to follow to insure products are safe, but the FDA only investigates cosmetics if safety questions emerge after a product has been on the market. The testing of nanoparticles in cosmetics continues to be tested by the big cosmetic companies using the technology. For me, the jury is still out.

I’ve worked for several cosmetics companies and tried many of their products that have this technology and have had no issues. I am not a chemist or researcher. I am a makeup artist. One of the most important aspects of makeup is the skin. After reading and learning more about nanotechnology in cosmetics, it is a bit disturbing because it may be toxic. Cosmetic companies are making these products because they are less expensive to make, they have faster results and more benefits. The companies sell whole skin care systems because they specify that they work synergistically, and have more effective results. However, whole systems may be even more toxic to the consumer, if they contain nanoparticles. Are these companies taking enough precautions to prove these products are safe? Short term, it may reduce wrinkles and lift, but long term can it cause cancer or breakdown your immune system, or damage the tissue on your face? I have changed my philosophy regarding some of these products.

To live consciously with the universe, use products that are not used in animal testing, use products that are free of parabens. Even consider making some of your own products. Try organic or natural products. If the nanoparticle in the cosmetic product is a natural compound like green tea or grapeseed extract, it is probably of no harm. But be aware of chemicals. Cosmetics are full of chemicals do you want these chemicals to enter your bloodstream and be more harmful long term. As a consumer and promoter of skin care products, I encourage my clients to do self work and study to educate themselves, ask your dermatologist. Don’t take everything said by a sales person as complete fact. If they tell you a product is going to reduce wrinkles 20% , lift your sagging skin, or make your skin soft and supple; that may happen at the moment – short term, or while your using that product continually. It may be a quick fix, but that’s not what you want when you’re caring for one of the most important organs of your body, your skin, which has a major role in protecting and presenting you. Think seriously about what you’re putting on your face and read, read, read the labels of the cosmetics you’re using.

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Comparisons of Mineral Makeup

Mineral foundations have increased in popularity over the years as people have been drawn to the idea that it’s more natural, therefore kinder to and more comfortable on your skin. Though many people think this just includes powder foundations, liquid formulas can be mineral foundation too.

They call them mineral make up. They call them pure. They say they have only “good things” in them. Is this true? And how do they compare in price? Let’s compare apples to apples. I’ve listed all the well know brands of mineral cosmetics, compared their ingredients, their cost, and their actual cost per gram. Although each company offers several products such as foundations, blushes, eye shadows, etc, I’ve chosen the most popular – foundations – as a basis of comparison. I’ve stacked them against Purely Cosmetics to see how each holds up against the other.

Any ingredient marked in bold contains a non-pure, non-earth mineral. Some even worse: parabens are preservatives that are thought to be linked to breast cancer and early aging of the skin. Bismuth oxychloride is a filler that is a by-product of lead and copper processing and is irritating to the skin.Copper Oxide Nanoparticles is good for you!

This is lengthy, but you’ll find some real eye openers. Your favorite mineral makeup is most likely listed here, as I’ve compared Bare Escentuals, Jane Iredale, GLO Minerals, Sheer Cover, Laura Mercier, Youngblood, PUR Minerals, L’Oreal, and Neutragena to Purely Cosmetics.

Note about micronized particles: The use of micronized titanium dioxide is controversial. Some research indicates that micro-size particles do stay on the surface of the skin and do not enter the bloodstream, while others question the long-term safety of using nanoparticles. Studies have shown that it is possible for micronized titanium dioxide particles to penetrate cells and eventually lead to DNA damage following sun exposure. Asthmatics and others with repiratory problems should be cautioned about using loose powders with micronized ingredients as they are easily airborne. Micronized particles are liked by some mineral makeup companies because they provide a smooth coverage and adhere easily. The smaller the particle, the more sheer and natural looking the application. On the flip side, micronized particles cannot provide medium to full coverage for those who need to cover life’s imperfections.

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