Synthesis, characterization and application of superhydrophobic low-cost Cu and Al nanoparticles

Cu and Al nanoparticles were prepared using a simple chemical etching method followed by a chemical reduction method. The synthesized metal nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron-dispersive (EDX) spectrum and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. The application of Cu and Al nanoparticles was tested towards the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (NiP), hexavalent chromium {Cr(VI)} and rhodamine 6G (R6G) dye in the presence sodiumborohydride (NaBH4) as a reducing agent. From the UV-visible spectrum, the reduction rate constant (k(app)) and the induction time (T-i) were determined and compared critically. The HRTEM analysis confirmed the nanosize of Cu and Al prepared by a simple chemical etching process followed by the chemical reduction method.