Preparation of copper phthalocyanine/SiO2 composite particles through simple, green one-pot wet ball milling in the absence of organic dispersants

Abstract

In order to improve the dispersibility, thermal stability and pH adaptability of organic pigments in water, submicrometer copper phthalocyanine (CuPc)/SiO₂ composite particles (CPs) were prepared through a simple one-pot wet ball-milling process under acidic conditions without using any organic surfactant. In the as-obtained CPs, the surface of the CuPc particles was homogeneously decorated with SiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) through hydrogen bonding interactions. Due to the surface-attached SiO₂ NPs, the CuPc/SiO₂ CPs present a high aqueous dispersibility and a pH-dependent colloidal stability. Furthermore, both the thermal stability and color intensity of CuPc were increased by encapsulation of CuPc particles within SiO₂ NPs.