The physicochemical characterization of the Cu nanoparticle surface, and of its evolution on atmospheric exposure: Application to antimicrobial bandages for wound dressings

We have used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy and reconstructed electron diffraction patterns, to study the contamination of the Cu nanoparticle surface on atmospheric exposure, as would occur on using such nanoparticles as antimicrobials deposited onto bandages intended for use as wound dressings. Our study suggests that the surface contaminant initially formed …