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CuNP Lab Protocol AscorbicAcid Gelatin PVPFree

This lab protocol outlines the synthesis of copper nanoparticles using ascorbic acid and gelatin without inert gas. The procedure includes preparation of copper solution, addition of gelatin, pH adjustment, and reduction with ascorbic acid, followed by cooling, washing, and drying the nanoparticles. The expected particle size is 20–80 nm, and the final product is a reddish-brown powder with a shelf life of 3–4 weeks when stored properly.

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suvamjyoti Dash
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6 views2 pages

CuNP Lab Protocol AscorbicAcid Gelatin PVPFree

This lab protocol outlines the synthesis of copper nanoparticles using ascorbic acid and gelatin without inert gas. The procedure includes preparation of copper solution, addition of gelatin, pH adjustment, and reduction with ascorbic acid, followed by cooling, washing, and drying the nanoparticles. The expected particle size is 20–80 nm, and the final product is a reddish-brown powder with a shelf life of 3–4 weeks when stored properly.

Uploaded by

suvamjyoti Dash
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lab Protocol: Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Ascorbic Acid and

Gelatin (PVP-Free, No Inert Gas)

Chemicals and Reagents


Chemical Amount Purpose
Copper(II) chloride dihydrate 1.70 g (0.01 mol) Copper source
(CuCl₂·2H₂O)
L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 7.04 g (0.04 mol) Reducing agent + antioxidant
Gelatin (unflavored) 1.0 g Stabilizer / capping agent
Distilled water ~150 mL Solvent
Dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) few drops pH adjustment (to 5–5.5)
or acetic acid
Ethanol (optional, for 20–30 mL Washing agent
washing)

Apparatus Required
 250 mL beaker
 Hot plate with magnetic stirrer
 Thermometer
 pH paper or pH meter
 Centrifuge
 Centrifuge tubes
 Glass rod or pipettes
 Filter paper or vacuum dryer

Procedure

Step 1: Preparation of Copper Solution


 Weigh 1.70 g of CuCl₂·2H₂O and dissolve in 100 mL distilled water in a 250 mL beaker.
 Stir until fully dissolved (solution should appear blue-green).

Step 2: Add Gelatin (Capping Agent)


 Add 1.0 g of gelatin to the copper solution.
 Stir gently for 10–15 minutes until fully dissolved. Warm slightly (~40 °C) if needed.

Step 3: Adjust pH
 Measure the solution pH using pH paper or meter.
 Adjust to pH 5.0–5.5 using dilute HCl or acetic acid (1–2 drops at a time).

Step 4: Prepare Ascorbic Acid Solution


 Dissolve 7.04 g of L-ascorbic acid in 50 mL distilled water in a separate beaker.
 Stir until fully dissolved (clear and colorless solution).
Step 5: Heat and Reduce
 Heat the copper-gelatin solution to 60–70 °C while stirring continuously.
 Slowly add the ascorbic acid solution dropwise over 10–15 minutes.
 Observe the color change: Blue → Green → Yellow → Brick-red (Cu⁰ formation).

Step 6: Cool and Collect Nanoparticles


 After addition, continue stirring for another 10 minutes.
 Cool the solution to room temperature.
 Transfer to centrifuge tubes and centrifuge at 10,000 rpm for 15 minutes.

Step 7: Washing
 Discard the supernatant.
 Add 10 mL ethanol–water mixture (1:1) to each tube, shake, and centrifuge again.
 Repeat the wash 2 times.

Step 8: Drying and Storage


 Dry the pellet in a vacuum desiccator or oven at ≤50 °C.
 Store the dried copper nanoparticles in airtight amber glass vials.

Notes and Variations


 Expected particle size: ~20–80 nm depending on reaction conditions.
 Appearance: reddish-brown powder.
 Shelf life in dry form: up to 3–4 weeks under airtight conditions.
 Optional substitutes for gelatin: 1.5 g starch or 0.5 g citric acid.
 Optional: Drying under sunlight should be avoided to reduce oxidation.

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