Hazard assessment of copper(I) oxide nanoparticles obtained by reduction in the presence of polymer protector

Abstract

Abstract The article presents the results of a study of the danger of copper (I) oxide nanoparticles for the health of living organisms and ecological systems. A sol containing Cu2O nanoparticles was obtained by reducing metal ions in the presence of a polymer protector. The sol was then further processed to purify and separate it into its components. The products of synthesis and processing were examined using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. It has been established that as a result of processing Cu2O nanoparticles of spherical shape and a diameter of 34-149 nm (average diameter = 62 nm) were obtained. Factors affecting the hazard of this nanomaterial were identified. Using mathematical modeling methods, it was determined that the obtained nanoparticles have a hazard coefficient D= 1.773 in the case of laboratory production (medium level of potential hazard), D= 1.874 in the industrial production case (high level of potential hazard).