Effect of the smallest microwave-synthesized Cu2S nanoparticles with surfactant templates on improving the properties of engine oil

Bagheri Gh., Azar; Nejadi, Forogh; Pejman, Melika

doi:10.22104/jpst.2026.7962.1286

Effect of the smallest microwave-synthesized Cu₂S nanoparticles with surfactant templates on improving the properties of engine oil

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Azar Bagheri Gh. ¹

Forogh Nejadi ¹

Melika Pejman ²

¹ Department of Chemistry, CT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

² Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.22104/jpst.2026.7962.1286

Abstract

In this study, the preparation and identification of Cu₂S nanoparticles were carried out using the microwave method, and the effect of irradiation time, power, and surfactant on particle size was investigated. The sample was characterized by XRD measurements, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis). Also, the results of FE-SEM on nanoparticles prepared with four surfactants, EDTA, sorbitol, citric acid, and PEG 400, showed that nanoparticles synthesized with the PEG 400 surfactant have the smallest size. Then, the effect of microwave power on the size of Cu₂S nanoparticles was investigated at three powers of 700, 500, and 900 W. The FE-SEM results showed that Cu₂S nanoparticles have the smallest size at 500 W. To investigate the effect of time on the size of Cu₂S nanoparticles, the experiments were repeated at times of 3, 5, and 10 min, and the FE-SEM results obtained from this stage showed that after 10 min, Cu₂S nanoparticles have the smallest size. Also, the effects of the prepared Cu₂S nanoparticles on the thermal conductivity, density, and viscosity of engine oil were investigated. The results obtained from this research show that the increase in thermal conductivity compared to the base oil indicates that these nanoparticles improve the heat transfer ability and operation of engine oil in harsher temperature conditions.

Graphical Abstract

Effect of the smallest microwave-synthesized Cu2S nanoparticles with surfactant templates on improving the properties of engine oil

Highlights

Surfactant-assisted microwave synthesis enabled size-controlled Cu₂S nanoparticles.
PEG 400 was identified as the most effective template for nanoparticle formation.
Irradiation power and time were optimized for minimum particle size.
Cu₂S nanofluids improved the thermal conductivity of engine oil without significant deterioration of other properties.
The study establishes a practical route for lubricant enhancement using Cu₂S nanomaterials.

Keywords

Cu₂S Nanoparticle

Engine oil

Surfactant

Microwave method

Subjects

Nanoparticle

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