Ultra-rapid synthesis of the MgCu2 and Mg2Cu Laves phases and their facile conversion to nanostructured copper with controllable porosity; an energy-efficient, reversible process

Fan, Z., Baranovas, G., Yu, H. A., Szczęsny, R., Liu, W.-R. and Gregory, D. H. (2021) Ultra-rapid synthesis of the MgCu2 and Mg2Cu Laves phases and their facile conversion to nanostructured copper with controllable porosity; an energy-efficient, reversible process. Green Chemistry, 23(18), pp. 6936-6944. (doi: 10.1039/D1GC01710A)

Abstract

Phase-pure MgCu2 and high-purity Mg2Cu have been synthesised within 1 min from elemental powders via the microwave-induced metal plasma (MIMP) approach for the first time. Subsequent room temperature, acidic de-alloying led to 3-dimensional nanoporous (NP) Cu within minutes. Each distinctive metallic matrix exhibited a large surface area with a porosity of either 37.47% (from MgCu2) or 56.25% (from Mg2Cu). Both NP Cu powders are composed of crystalline grains (“ligaments”) measuring tens of nanometers across, which exhibit rich point- and extended defects. The selection of Laves precursor dictates the form of ligament obtained, which directs the ensuing NP structure. As an example application, a working electrode of NP Cu from Mg2Cu presented linear non-enzymatic sensing properties over glucose concentrations of 0.5 - 4.5 and 4.5 - 10.0 mM with high confidence levels (> 99 %). This study provides a facile, rapid and energy-efficient route to functional NP Cu with eclectic structures, which should be equally applicable to other metals.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Fan, Zhen and Gregory, Professor Duncan
• Authors: Fan, Z., Baranovas, G., Yu, H. A., Szczęsny, R., Liu, W.-R., and Gregory, D. H.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: Green Chemistry
• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
• ISSN: 1463-9262
• ISSN (Online): 1463-9270
• Published Online: 26 August 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 Royal Society of Chemistry
• First Published: First published in Green Chemistry 23(18): 6936-6944
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons Licence

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
305672		New non-oxide electrolytes for all-solid-state Li-ion batteries	Duncan Gregory	The Royal Society (ROYSOC)	IEC\R3\183040	Chemistry