What are copper nanoparticles and what are they used for?

Copper nanoparticles concentrate the catalytic, antimicrobial and conductive properties of metallic copper at the nanometre scale. This guide explains what they are, how NanoAlsa nano copper is characterised, and the industrial and aquaculture applications where it is used, with certified data and publicly downloadable documentation.

What are copper nanoparticles?

Copper nanoparticles are particles of metallic copper between 5 and 90 nanometres in size, roughly a thousand times thinner than a human hair. At this scale, copper gains a very high surface-to-volume ratio that enhances its catalytic, antimicrobial and conductive properties compared with conventional copper.

As the size shrinks into the nanometre range, a far greater fraction of the atoms sits on the surface of each particle. That active surface is what explains why nanostructured copper reacts faster as a catalyst and works as an antimicrobial agent at lower doses than copper in conventional form.

How is NanoAlsa nano copper characterised?

NanoAlsa nano copper consists of copper nanoparticles with CAS number 7440-50-8 and a purity of 99.987% verified by Alex Stewart Laboratory. Particle size ranges from 5 to 90 nm, with a main distribution of 79% between 30 and 60 nm, spherical morphology and nanometry certified by the Catholic University of Chile and the University of Chile.

Each batch is backed by public technical documentation: the purity certificate from Alex Stewart Laboratory and the nanometry reports from both universities. You can review the full nano copper data sheet with all the documents and download the certificates as PDF, with no registration required.

What are copper nanoparticles used for?

Copper nanoparticles are used as antimicrobial agents, industrial catalysts, conductive inks for printed electronics and functional coatings. Their high active surface enables faster reactions and a sustained antimicrobial effect, so they are applied in aquaculture, surface treatment, energy and industrial chemistry.

In catalysis, nano copper speeds up chemical reactions with lower material loadings. In electronics, its conductivity and spherical morphology favour homogeneous inks and coatings. In antimicrobial applications, the controlled release of copper ions from the particle surface sustains the effect over time.

Copper nanoparticles in aquaculture and antifouling

In aquaculture, nano copper acts as an antifouling and antimicrobial agent: embedded in fishing nets and in EPS salmon packaging, it reduces the adhesion of fouling organisms and the microbial load. NanoAlsa documents this application in its datasheet on copper for fishing and aquaculture nets.

Copper-treated nets keep water flowing and require fewer mechanical cleanings than untreated nets, which translates into lower material wear. In EPS salmon packaging, nano copper provides a surface with a lower microbial load during product transport.

Comparison: certified nano copper vs research-grade material

Compared with a typical research-grade material, certified nano copper offers purity audited by an independent laboratory, nanometry validated by universities, publicly downloadable documentation and ready-to-use dispersions. The table below summarises these differences in traceability and delivery format for an informed purchasing decision.

How are quality and traceability ensured?

The quality of NanoAlsa nano copper is backed by public technical documents: a purity certificate from Alex Stewart Laboratory, nanometry reports from the Catholic University of Chile and the University of Chile, a technical data sheet and a chemical composition analysis. All are downloadable as PDF files, with no registration required, from the product page.

This traceability lets the buyer independently verify the purity, size and morphology before acquiring the material. To see the available presentations and request a quote, visit the nano copper page.