Stabilized Cu/Cu2O nanoparticles on rGO as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for Glaser homo-coupling

Stabilized Cu/Cu2O nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (Cu/Cu2O-NPs@rGO) was synthesized by one-step co-reduction and acted as a green and efficient non-noble metal heterogeneous catalyst for Glaser homo-coupling. Through the synergic catalytic effect of Cu/Cu2O nanoparticles and graphene, the heterogeneous hybrid nanoparticles catalyst showed excellent catalytic performance for Glaser homo-coupling with the yield up to 99% of 1,4-diphenyl buta-1,3-diyne. And excellent functional group tolerance was obtained with oxygen as a green oxidant. Furthermore, the catalyst can be easily separated and recycled seven times without significant decline in its catalytic performance.