Synthesis and characterization of copper nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide as a highly active and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of formamides and primary amines

Biofabricated Palladium Nanoparticle-Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Using the Punica granatum (Pomegranate) Peel Extract: Investigation of Potent In Vivo Hepatoprotective Activity against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Wistar Albino Rats

Acute acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity is a predominant clinical problem, which causes serious liver injury in both humans and experimental animals. This study presents the histological and biochemical factor and antioxidant enzyme level changes induced by an acute acetaminophen overdose in Wistar albino rat livers to elucidate the effective hepatoprotective potential of biofabricated palladium nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (rGO/PdNPs-NC) compared to silymarin. After detailed characterization of the hepatoprotective potential of the synthesized rGO/PdNPs-NC, the rats were divided into eight groups (n = 6): control group (normal saline, 1 mL/kg b.w.), silymarin, Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel extract, PdNPs, reduced graphene oxide (rGO-PG), and reduced graphene oxide palladium nanocomposites (rGO/PdNPs-NC, low and high doses) for 7 successive days. The acetaminophen (APAP)-treated group was administered a single dose of acetaminophen (2 g/kg b.w.) on the 8th day. The histopathological results showed that the acetaminophen overdose group exhibited massive intrahepatic hemorrhagic necrosis around the centrilobular region with hepatocytes with vacuolization and swollen cytoplasm found in the liver architecture. This hepatopotential was further assessed by various biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, ALB, ALP, LDH, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, and total protein. Also, the antioxidant parameters such as SOD, CAT, MDA, GSH, GRD, and GST were assayed. Rats of groups 7 and 8 showed a significant decrease in SGOT, SGPT, ALP, LDH, direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin (p < 0.001), while a significant increase in the final total protein and ALB as compared to group 2 rats (p < 0.001) was observed. The antioxidant parameters exhibited that rats of groups 7 and 8 showed a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the level of SOD, CAT, GSH, GRD, and GST without affecting the MDA as compared to group 2 rats. Also, the hepatoprotective potential of rGO/PdNPs-NC (low and high doses) was comparable to that of the standard reference drug silymarin. The present study reveals that the rGO/PdNPs-NC possesses significant hepatoprotective activity and acts as an effective and promising curative agent against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.

The efficient removal of bisphenol A from aqueous solution using an assembled nanocomposite of zero-valent iron nanoparticles/graphene oxide/copper: Adsorption isotherms, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies

In this study, nanoparticles of zero-valent iron (nZVI) along with graphene oxide (GO) and copper (Cu) was synthesized to apply as a promising adsorbent for the rapid removal of bisphenol A (BPA) from aqueous solution. The characteristics of nZVI-GO-Cu were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The average particle size of nZVI-GO-Cu was found to be 20.89 nm. The effective experimental variables such as pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial BPA concentration, and temperature were surveyed to assess optimum conditions. Results revealed that the maximum removal percentage was obtained at pH of 7, adsorbent dosage of 0.2 g, contact time of 10 min, the BPA concentration of 10 mg/L, and a temperature of 35 °C as optimum conditions. Experimental data were fitted to the Langmuir and pseudo second-order models with a coefficient of determination (R²) equal to 1 and 0.995, respectively. The obtained maximum adsorption capacity (q_max) of the Langmuir isotherm was 21.59 mg g^-1. Thermodynamic parameters under the various temperatures confirmed that the adsorption process was endothermic (ΔH = 17,459.4 J/mol and ΔS = 61.23 J/mol/K) and spontaneous (ΔG < 0). As a conclusion, nZVI-GO-Cu can be selected as an efficient adsorbent for the treatment of aqueous media from BPA and the other pollutants, due to its low-cost, high removal efficiency (97%), and rapid adsorption with the minimum time of 10 min compared with the other adsorbents.

The Catalytic Activity of Carbon-Supported Cu(I)-Phosphine Complexes for the Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of 1,2,3-Triazoles

A set of Cu(I) complexes with 3,7-diacetyl-1,3,7-triaza-5-phosphabicyclo-[3.3.1]nonane (DAPTA) phosphine ligands viz. [CuX(κP-DAPTA)3] (1: X = Br; 2: X = I) and [Cu(μ-X)(κP-DAPTA)2]2 (3: X = Br; 4: X = I) were immobilized on activated carbon (AC) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT), as well as on these materials after surface functionalization. The immobilized copper(I) complexes have shown favorable catalytic activity for the one-pot, microwave-assisted synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles via the azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction (CuAAC). The heterogenized systems with a copper loading of only 1.5–1.6% (w/w relative to carbon), established quantitative conversions after 15 min, at 80 °C, using 0.5 mol% of catalyst loading (relative to benzyl bromide). The most efficient supports concerning heterogenization were CNT treated with nitric acid and NaOH, and involving complexes 2 and 4 (in the same order, 2_CNT-ox-Na and 4_CNT-ox-Na). The immobilized catalysts can be recovered and recycled by simple workup and reused up to four consecutive cycles although with loss of activity.

Copper(ii) ions supported on functionalized graphene oxide: an organometallic nanocatalyst for oxidative amination of azoles via C–H/C–N bond activation

Graphene oxide (GO) was chemically modified with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) to immobilize copper(ii) ions on its surface and used as a nanocatalyst for the oxidative C (sp²)–H bond amination reaction.

Phytosynthesis of Cu/rGO using Euphorbia cheiradenia Boiss extract and study of its ability in the reduction of organic dyes and 4-nitrophenol in aqueous medium

For the first time, copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) superficially deposited on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using Euphorbia cheiradenia Boiss leaf aqueous media. A beneficial series of analytical methods was used to characterise E. cheiradenia Boiss leaf extract and involved nanostructures. The Cu/rGO nanocomposite (NC) obtained from the conversion of Cu²⁺ ions to Cu NPs and GO to rGO undergoes the plant extract and used as a heterogeneous and reusable nanocatalyst for the destruction of 4-nitrophenol, rhodamine B, methylene blue, methyl orange and congo red using sodium borohydride at ambient temperature. In addition, Cu/rGO NC has reusability for many times in the reduction reactions with no decreasing of its catalytic capability.

Enhancement of the degradation ability for organic pollutants via the synergistic effect of photoelectrocatalysis on a self-assembled perylene diimide (SA-PDI) thin film

A self-assembled perylene diimide (SA-PDI) film was prepared on an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) substrate and acted as a photoanode for the photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation of some emerging contaminants under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) and applied voltage. Due to the synergistic effect, the photocatalytic degradation rate by the SA-PDI film under visible light irradiation and an applied voltage of 2.1 V was 2.72 times and 14.5 times those of the PC and EC processes, respectively. The visible light irradiation not only generated a promoting effect on electrocatalytic (EC) oxidation at potentials above 1.2 V but also generated many more h⁺ for promoting the electrocatalytic oxidation of phenol. Furthermore, an applied voltage above 1.2 V could effectively improve the separation rate of electrons from the SA-PDI electrodes to the Pt electrodes, and then, much more O₂^- and OH could be generated for improving the photocatalytic (PC) oxidation efficiency. Therefore, the h⁺, OH and O₂^- could improve the synergistic effect of phenol oxidation during the PEC process. Moreover, the SA-PDI film appeared to have satisfactory stability in the PEC process. The SA-PDI film was also proven to be effective for two other contaminants, namely, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and ciprofloxacin.

Novel in situ synthesis of copper nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide and its application as a new catalyst for the decomposition of composite solid propellants

The catalytic activity of graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), copper nanoparticles (CuNP) and rGO supported copper nanoparticles (rGO|CuNP) was investigated for the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). GO was synthesized using a methodology based on hydrophilic oxidation, while an environmentally friendly and non-toxic reducing agent, l-ascorbic acid, was applied for the in situ reduction of copper and GO. The supporting rGO reduced the mean size of the copper nanoparticles from approximately 6 to 2 Å due to the presence of stabilizing functional groups on the graphitic structure. Theoretical studies through Density Functional Theory revealed the important role of the epoxy and carbonyl groups of rGO on the stabilization of copper. The thermal decomposition process was studied based on DSC and TGA. GO, and rGO did not show a significant catalytic influence in the decomposition of AP. CuNP reduced the decomposition temperature of AP in greater magnitude than rGO|CuNP however, the synergistic effect of the rGO and CuNP increased the energy release significantly.

The synergistic effect of a copper and reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite increased the energy release in the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate.

Engineered iron-carbon-cobalt (Fe3O4@C-Co) core-shell composite with synergistic catalytic properties towards hydrogen generation via NaBH4 hydrolysis

Cobalt (Co) nanoparticle supported catalysts have better dispersion and recyclability than unsupported Co. However, the surface chemistry and limited surface area (SA) of supports limit their Co loading which lowers activity. Currently, supports with high SA and functionality which allow high Co loading are been developed. However, a smarter solution would be to develop "active" supports which can boost the activity of Co, even at low loading. The value of such a support lies in the ability to use low catalyst loading without scarifying activity. Herein, we demonstrate how via a simple annealing process the chemical properties of Fe₃O₄ and physico-electrical properties of carbon (C) in Fe₃O₄@C can be effectively combined to prepare an "active" support for Co. The unique properties of the "active" Fe₃O₄@C triggers a synergistic catalytic reaction involving Co, Fe₃O₄ and C during NaBH₄ hydrolysis. Consequently, the hydrogen generation rate (1746 ml g^-1 min^-1) and activation energy (47.3 kJ mol^-1) of Fe₃O₄@C-Co are significantly enhanced compared to reported catalyst even though its Co loading is significantly lower. Additionally, Fe₃O₄@C-Co is highly recyclable which demonstrates its stability. Our study gives a new perspective on the role supports can play in catalyst design.

Graphene Oxide Decorated Nanometal-Poly(Anilino-Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid) for Application in High Performance Supercapacitors

Graphene oxide (GO) decorated with silver (Ag), copper (Cu) or platinum (Pt) nanoparticles that are anchored on dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (DBSA)-doped polyaniline (PANI) were prepared by a simple one-step method and applied as novel materials for high performance supercapacitors. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) analyses revealed that a metal-decorated polymer matrix is embedded within the GO sheet. This caused the M/DBSA⁻PANI (M = Ag, Cu or Pt) particles to adsorb on the surface of the GO sheets, appearing as aggregated dark regions in the HRSEM images. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy studies revealed that GO was successfully produced and decorated with Ag, Cu or Pt nanoparticles anchored on DBSA⁻PANI. This was confirmed by the appearance of the GO signature epoxy C⁻O vibration band at 1040 cm-1 (which decreased upon the introduction of metal nanoparticle) and the PANI characteristic N⁻H stretching vibration band at 3144 cm-1 present only in the GO/M/DBSA⁻PANI systems. The composites were tested for their suitability as supercapacitor materials; and specific capacitance values of 206.4, 192.8 and 227.2 F·g-1 were determined for GO/Ag/DBSA⁻PANI, GO/Cu/DBSA⁻PANI and GO/Pt/DBSA⁻PANI, respectively. The GO/Pt/DBSA⁻PANI electrode exhibited the best specific capacitance value of the three electrodes and also had twice the specific capacitance value reported for Graphene/MnO₂//ACN (113.5 F·g-1). This makes GO/Pt/DBSA⁻PANI a very promising organic supercapacitor material.

Copper Oxide/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite-Catalyzed Synthesis of Flavanones and Flavanones with Triazole Hybrid Molecules in One Pot: A Green and Sustainable Approach

An efficient, green, and sustainable synthesis of new hybrid molecules containing flavanone with triazole by merging the Michael addition and Click reaction using a copper oxide/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite in one pot is reported. The catalyst can easily be recycled and reused in seven consecutive runs without compromising the product yields. Other notable advantages include using water as a reaction medium and obtaining good to excellent yields, low catalyst loading, high atom efficiency, high substrate variation, and good results in the gram scale reaction.

Synthesis of cerium and nickel doped titanium nanofibers for hydrolysis of sodium borohydride

A recyclable titanium nanofibers, doped with cerium and nickel doped was successfully synthesized by using sol-gel and electrospinning method for hydrogen generation from alkali free hydrolysis of NaBH₄. The resultant nanocomposite was characterized to find out the structural and physical-chemical properties by a series of analytical techniques such as FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscope), EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy),N₂ adsorption-desorption and BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller), etc. The results revealed that cerium and nickel nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed on the surface of the TiO₂ nanofibers due to having similar oxidation state and atomic radium of TiO₂nanofibers with CeO₂ and NiO for the effective immobilization of metal ions. The NiO doped catalyst showed superior catalytic performance towards the hydrolysis reaction of NaBH₄ at room temperature. These catalysts have ability to produce 305 mL of H₂ within the time of 160 min at room temperature. Additionally, reusability test revealed that the catalyst is active even after five runs of hydrolytic reaction, implying the as-prepared NiO doped TiO₂ nanofibers could be considered as a potential candidate catalyst for portable hydrogen fuel system such as PEMFC (proton exchange membrane fuel cells).

High-performance Cu nanoparticles/three-dimensional graphene/Ni foam hybrid for catalytic and sensing applications

A novel hybrid of Cu nanoparticles/three-dimensional graphene/Ni foam (Cu NPs/3DGr/NiF) was prepared by chemical vapor deposition, followed by a galvanic displacement reaction in Ni- and Cu-ion-containing salt solution through a one-step reaction. The as-prepared Cu NPs/3DGr/NiF hybrid is uniform, stable, recyclable and exhibits an extraordinarily high catalytic efficiency for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) with a reduction rate constant K = 0.056 15 s^-1, required time ∼30 s and excellent sensing properties for the non-enzymatic amperometric hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) with a linear range ∼50 μM-9.65 mM, response time ∼3 s, detection limit ∼1 μM. The results indicate that the as-prepared Cu NPs/3DGr/NiF hybrid can be used to replace expensive noble metals in catalysis and sensing applications.

Mesoporous Copper Nanoparticle Networks Decorated by Graphite Layers for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection of Trace Analytes

The assembly of 3D nanoscale structures of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) holds great promise for achieving enhanced optical and electronic properties. This type of materials exhibits a large number of surface hot spots, while offering the possibility for synergetic effects to be observed. Herein, a facile, yet powerful, strategy to fabricate 3D mesoporous networks of copper NPs decorated with graphite layers (denoted as Cu/G) is demonstrated by using a polymer-assisted self-assembly method. After thermal processing, the resulting Cu/G-linked networks retain an open and interconnected porosity with a large surface area (up to 90 m²  g^-1 ) and narrow pore size distribution (ca. 4.3 nm in size). Owing to these characteristics, Cu/G assemblies behave as high-performance surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes for the detection of analytes in very low concentrations. The substrates comprise low-cost, environmentally benign materials and show promise for chemical and biological sensing applications.

Mussel-Inspired Architecture of High-Flux Loose Nanofiltration Membrane Functionalized with Antibacterial Reduced Graphene Oxide-Copper Nanocomposites

Graphene-based nanocomposites have a vast potential for wide-ranging antibacterial applications due to the inherently strong biocidal activity and versatile compatibility of such nanocomposites. Therefore, graphene-based functional nanomaterials can introduce enhanced antibiofouling and antimicrobial properties to polymeric membrane surfaces. In this study, reduced graphene oxide-copper (rGOC) nanocomposites were synthesized as newly robust biocides via in situ reduction. Inspired by the emerging method of bridging ultrafiltration membrane surface cavities, loose nanofiltration (NF) membranes were designed using a rapid (2 h) bioinspired strategy in which rGOC nanocomposites were firmly codeposited with polydopamine (PDA) onto an ultrafiltration support. A series of analyses (SEM, EDS, XRD, XPS, TEM, and AFM) confirmed the successful synthesis of the rGO-Cu nanocomposites. The secure loading of rGOC composites onto the membrane surfaces was also confirmed by SEM and AFM images. Water contact angle results display a high surface hydrophilicity of the modified membranes. The PDA-rGOC functionalization layer facilitated a high water permeability (22.8 L m^-2 h^-1 bar^-1). The PDA-rGOC modification additionally furnished the membrane with superior separation properties advantageous for various NF applications such as dye purification or desalination, as ultrahigh (99.4% for 0.5 g L^-1 reactive blue 2) dye retention and high salt permeation (7.4% for 1.0 g L^-1 Na₂SO₄, 2.5% for 1.0 g L^-1 NaCl) was achieved by the PDA-rGOC-modified membranes. Furthermore, after 3 h of contact with Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, the rGOC-functionalized membranes exhibited a strong antibacterial performance with a 97.9% reduction in the number of live E. coli. This study highlights the use of rGOC composites for devising loose NF membranes with strong antibacterial and separation performance.

Cu–Ag/hydrotalcite catalysts for dehydrogenative cross-coupling of primary and secondary benzylic alcohols

The development of new and inexpensive heterogeneous catalysts for direct C–C cross-coupling of primary and secondary alcohols is a challenging goal and has great importance in academic and industrial sectors.

Green synthesis of Pd/CuO nanoparticles by Theobroma cacao L. seeds extract and their catalytic performance for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and phosphine-free Heck coupling reaction under aerobic conditions

We report the green synthesis of palladium/CuO nanoparticles (Pd/CuO NPs) using Theobroma cacao L. seeds extract and their catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and Heck coupling reaction under aerobic conditions. The catalyst was characterized using the powder XRD, TEM, EDS, UV-vis and FT-IR. This method has the advantages of high yields, elimination of surfactant, ligand and homogeneous catalysts, simple methodology and easy work up. The catalyst can be recovered from the reaction mixture and reused several times without any significant loss of catalytic activity.

Tamarix gallica leaf extract mediated novel route for green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles and their application for N-arylation of nitrogen-containing heterocycles under ligand-free conditions

We report the green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Tamarix gallica leaf extract and their catalytic activity for N-arylation of nitrogen-containing heterocycles with aryl halides under ligand-free conditions.

Graphene-supported metal/metal oxide nanohybrids: synthesis and applications in heterogeneous catalysis

This minireview outlines recent advances in the design and catalytic applications of graphene-supported metal/metal oxide nanohybrids.

Green synthesis of stable Cu(0) nanoparticles onto reduced graphene oxide nanosheets: a reusable catalyst for the synthesis of symmetrical biaryls from arylboronic acids under base-free conditions

The Cu(0) nanoparticle-rGO composites exhibit excellent catalytic activity for the synthesis of symmetrical biaryls from arylboronic acids under microwave irradiation.

Preparation of carbon supported CuPd nanoparticles as novel heterogeneous catalysts for the reduction of nitroarenes and the phosphine-free Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction

This paper reports on the synthesis and use of C/CuPd bimetallic NPs as heterogeneous catalysts for the phosphine-free Suzuki–Miyaura coupling and the reduction of nitroarenes.

Preparation of reduced graphene oxide/Cu nanoparticle composites through electrophoretic deposition: application for nonenzymatic glucose sensing

The paper reports on the simultaneous reduction/deposition of thin films of rGO/Cu NPs from an ethanol solution of GO and CuSO₄ using EPD technique. The electrocatalytic properties of the electrode were exploited for non-enzymatic glucose sensing.

Barberry fruit extract assisted in situ green synthesis of Cu nanoparticles supported on a reduced graphene oxide–Fe3O4 nanocomposite as a magnetically separable and reusable catalyst for the O-arylation of phenols with aryl halides under ligand-free conditions

In situ synthesis of copper nanoparticles (NPs) supported on a reduced graphene oxide (RGO)–Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite was carried out with barberry fruit extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent.