Synthesis of Copper-Nickel Bimetallic Nanoparticles by Caprylate Reduction in Benzyl Alcohol

Based on the process of joint reduction of copper and nickel caprylates in benzyl alcohol at 185°C, a simple method for the synthesis of bimetallic copper and nickel nanoparticles was developed. The prepared bimetallic nanoparticles may be of interest for creating new compositions of electrically conductive inks and pastes for 2D and 3D printing. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray phase analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The prepared copper and nickel nanoparticles are single- or two-phase bimetallic solid solutions of various compositions. The effect of the phase composition of bimetallic powders on their resistance to oxidation was studied. It was shown that an increase in the nickel content in the composition leads to a decrease in the degree of nanoparticles oxidation. The proposed method is one-step, does not require the use of additional stabilizers and reducing agents, the synthesis is carried out in one-pot and is easily scalable. The method can also be used to obtain other bi- and polymetallic nanoparticles.