Nanocopper powder:From preparation and electrochemical characterization to modification strategies and applications

Nanocopper powder, exhibits excellent electrical/thermal conductivity, high catalytic activity and only 1% of the cost of silver, making it highly promising for electronic information, catalysis, biomedicine and new energy. However, its application faces critical challenges: easy oxidation and agglomeration, and immature large-scale preparation for high-end products. This review adopts a “performance requirements – preparation technologies – performance regulation – modification methods – application challenges – future prospects” framework. It outlines key performance indicators (particle size uniformity Coefficient of Variation≤20%, purity ≥99.9%, oxidation resistance ≥200 °C). Preparation methods include solid-phase (e.g., ball milling), liquid-phase (e.g., reduction, hydrothermal), and gas-phase (e.g., PVD, CVD) routes, each with distinct advantages and limitations. Electrochemical characterization (Cyclic Voltammetry, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, Linear Sweep Voltammetry etc.) reveals the influence of size, morphology, and surface state. Modification strategies such as surface coating, elemental doping and structural optimization (spheroidization, porosification) are examined. Finally, current applications and remaining challenges—oxidation stability, batch consistency, and green synthesis—are analyzed, providing a comprehensive reference for advancing high-end nanocopper powder development.