Synthesis of eco-friendly copper nanoparticles for augmentation of catalytic degradation of organic dyes

This study presents a simple, single-step process for preparing copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using L-ascorbic acid as a reducing and capping agent along with the investigation of its photocatalytic dye degradation activity. Standard characterization techniques such as, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering were employed to confirm the formation, crystallinity and morphology of the copper nanoparticles. CuNPs exhibited exceptional catalytic activity in the reductive degradation of three different dyes namely, methylene blue (91.53%), methyl red (73.89%) and Congo red (84.89%), respectively under optimal conditions. Thus, the efficient photocatalytic property along with economic feasibility and trivial toxicity assert the copper nanoparticles an alluring option for wastewater treatment. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.