Stability of Zn and Cu nanoparticles studied in aqueous medium by scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

The stability of nanoparticles in aquatic environment plays an important role for their environmental and biological application. The storage time has strong impact on the stability of zinc and copper nanoparticles (ZnONPs and CuNPs). The effect of the storage time was studied over time and the results showed a change in morphology of synthesized NPs. The time stability study was divided into three parts: short-term (0 - 72 h), medium-term (16 days) and long-term (5 months). In the case of CuNPs the SEM picture revealed the presence of crystal structure. This can be explained as the CuNPs surface layer was oxidized and the crystals on surface are copper oxides. Similar study was conducted on ZnONPs, but in shorter time scale (1 - 3 days). As in the case of CuNPs, ZnONPs showed the same tendency to crystalize. We can conclude that storage time and conditions have a strong impact on the NPs stability.