E K Athanassiou et al 2006 Nanotechnology 17 1668 doi:10.1088/0957-4484/17/6/022
E K Athanassiou, R N Grass and W J Stark
Show affiliationsCopper nanoparticles with a mean carbon coating of about 1 nm were continuously produced at up to 10 g h−1 using a modified flame spray synthesis unit under highly reducing conditions. Raman spectroscopy and solid state 13C magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that the thin carbon layer consisted of a sp2-hybridized carbon modification in the form of graphene stacks. The carbon layer protected the copper nanoparticles from oxidation in air. Bulk pills of pressed carbon/copper nanoparticles displayed a highly pressure- and temperature-dependent electrical conductivity with sensitivity at least comparable to commercial materials. These properties suggest the use of thin carbon/copper nanocomposites as novel, low-cost sensor materials and offer a metal-based alternative to the currently used brittle oxidic spinels or perovskites.
73.63.-b Electronic transport in nanoscale materials and structures
78.30.Er Solid metals and alloys
68.37.Lp Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
76.60.-k Nuclear magnetic resonance and relaxation
07.07.Df Sensors (chemical, optical, electrical, movement, gas, etc.); remote sensing
Condensed matter: electrical, magnetic and optical
Instrumentation and measurement
Issue 6 (28 March 2006)
Received 9 January 2006, in final form 30 January 2006
Published 27 February 2006
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