In situ synthesis and catalytic properties of Cu₂O nanoparticles based on clay materials and polyethylene glycol

A novel protocol for in situ synthesis of Cu₂O nanoparticles immobilized on natural bentonite and zeolite and functionalized by polyethylene glycol is reported. The NPs were synthesized during the course of the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH₄. The synthesized precursors and the catalysts Cu₂O/PEG-BT and Cu₂O/PEG-ZT were characterized by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray and atomic absorption spectroscopy, surface area analysis, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The diffraction and microscopy data confirmed that in situ copper oxide (I) NPs were synthesized with a size range of 20 to 40 nm. The reduction rate constants at 25 °C for Cu₂O/PEG-BT and Cu₂O/PEG-ZT were 1.22 × 10⁻² and 1.79 × 10⁻² s⁻¹, respectively. The synthesized catalysts were found to be highly effective and inexpensive. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].