Rapid template-free synthesis of an air-stable hierarchical copper nanoassembly and its use as a reusable catalyst for 4-nitrophenol reduction

A hierarchical copper nanoassembly was synthesized by one-pot solvothermal treatment at 150 degrees C for 2 h in the presence of copper nitrate, formamide and water. The product exhibited phase pure hierarchical Cu microspheroids (2-7 mu m) comprising a nanorod (50-100 nm) assembly. The Cu microspheroids showed excellent air-stability, antioxidative properties and catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol.