Monolithic nanoporous copper fabricated through decomposition and sintering of oxalate

Two more simple methods were used for preparation of the monolithic nanoporous copper. One was that through decomposition and sintering of copper oxalate precipitate directly. The other was that through decomposition and sintering of copper oxalate and manganese oxalate. The effects of sintered temperature and holding time on the morphology of the monolithic nanoporous copper were investigated. Thermal decomposition, composition and morphology of copper oxalate precipitate, as well as microscopic morphology and specific surface area of the monolithic nanoporous copper were analysed by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and nitrogen adsorption–desorption. The preferable nanoporous copper can be prepared by decomposition and sintering of copper oxalate directly at 400°C for 30 min. The prepared monolithic nanoporous copper is of open and interconnected pores and is made up of copper grains with the size of about 100 nm, which is as high as 69.9 m2 g−1 in specific surface area.