X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy studies of thiol-capped copper nanoparticles

Abstract

Monodisperse Copper nanoparticles with controllable sizes of 0.6 and 1.8nm were synthesized via modifying Brust-Schiffrin two-phase method. This route involves a slow reduction of [TOA]2[CuBr4] precursor in toluene, with particles sizes rationally controlled by the S/Cu ratio. Size-dependent inter-atomic distance contraction in the thiol-capped copper nanoparticles was investigated by Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS). The analysis revealed a shortened Cu-Cu inter-atomic distance, indicating strong surface interaction, in accord with the larger effect expected for ultrasmall particals (<2nm).