A novel and green approach for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles and their applications in reduction of nitroarenes and degradation of organic dyes

Abstract

Copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) were synthesized using a complex of copper with β-cyclodextrin (Cu₂-β-CD) by the hydrothermal method in an aqueous solution. The synthesis proceeded without adding any additives such as reducing agents. The structural characterization of copper nanoparticles has been carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, EDS, XRD, and TGA analysis. Application of the catalytic activity of the obtained Cu-NPs was performed for the reduction of nitroaromatic compounds. A catalytic degradation of Methylene Blue and Methyl Orange solutions in the presence of Cu-NPs was also studied in order to examine the nanoparticles influence on degradation.