SYNTHESIS OF COPPER NANOWIRES BY HYDROTHERMAL METHOD

Abstract

In this study, we focus on synthesizing copper nanowires through a simple method – the hydrothermal method. The effects of various factors such as the concentration of capping ligand – oleylamine, reducing agent – glucose, hydrothermal temperature, and hydrothermal time, will also be thoroughly investigated on the morphological and electrical properties of the copper nanowires. Based on the survey results, the optimal conditions for fabricating copper nanowires via hydrothermal methods are oleylamine of 8 mM; glucose of 80 mM glucose; a reaction temperature of 120 °C; and a hydrothermal time of 8 hours. The obtained copper nanowires exhibit high aspect ratios, with diameters ranging from 25 to 50 nm, and wire lengths can be up to 150 µm. After filtration, CuNW solution with a 20 mg/ml concentration was dispersed in isopropyl alcohol. This solution has potential applications as conductive ink for transparent conductive electrode fabrication based on copper nanowires.