Cu2O Nanoparticles Anchored on Amine-Functionalized Graphite Nanosheet: A Potential Reusable Catalyst

Synthesis of Cu2O-amine-functionalized graphite nanosheet (AFGNS) composite has been accomplished at room temperature. In the first step, AFGNS is synthesized by wet chemical functionalization where the -NH2 groups formed on nanosheet surface help to anchor the Cu2+ ions homogeneously through coordinate bonds. Reduction of Cu2+ (3.4 x 10(-2) mmol) in the presence of NaBH4 (1.8 mmol) can be restricted to Cu1+ on AFGNS surface at room temperature. This leads to the formation of uniform Cu2O nanoparticles (NP) on AFGNS. The role played by the -NH2 groups in anchoring Cu2+ ions and followed by stabilizing the Cu2O NP on AFGNS was understood by controlled reactions in the absence of -NH2 groups and without any graphitic support, respectively. The prepared Cu2O-AFGNS composite shows excellent catalytic activity toward degradation of an azo dye, methyl orange, which is an environmental pollutant. The dye degradation proceeds with high rate constant value, and the composite shows high stability and excellent reuse capability.