Preparation of CuONPs and their Catalytic Reduction Properties

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were successfully prepared using chitosan (CS) as dispersant and stabilizer. The structure of CuONPs was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In this study, the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) by CuONPs was investigated using NaBH4 as the hydrogen donor. The results showed that the thinnest and best dispersed CuONPs sheets were prepared in a CuCl2/NaOH molar ratio of 1:12.5. By optimising the preparation conditions (CuCl2/NaOH molar ratio, chitosan concentration and ultrasonic frequency), the conversion of 4-NP reached 97.2% within 30 min with a rate constant of 0.1469 min-1.