(241c) Evaluating Microwave-Synthesized Copper Oxide Nanoparticles from Copper Chloride with Antimicrobial Properties Using Life Cycle Assessment Techniques

The use of copper-based nanoparticles may serve as an alternative to precious metal-based nanoparticles. A life cycle assessment (LCA) based evaluation for synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) with broad-based antimicrobial properties was carried out. The synthesis process analyzed used glucose and starch as the reducing and stabilizing agents respectively, and microwave energy in efforts to reduce environmental impacts. The LCA techniques followed ISO 14040 procedures and was carried out using GaBi 6.0 software on a declared unit of one kilogram of copper to produce CuONPs approximately 2 nm in diameter, and nearly spherical in shape, with a minimum process conversion rate of 90%. Energy grids in both Texas and California were investigated. The highest impacts relative to a United States normalization were predominantly acidification potential (AP), fossil fuel potential (FFP) and ecotoxicity potential (EcoP). The major process contribution in each of these impact categories was due to electricity usage for the microwave reaction. The next highest contribution was due to mining of copper and the least impactful were the use of starch and glucose. Using starch and glucose in the process and replacing precious metals with copper appear to reduce both environmental and economic impacts.