Preparation of Cu nanoparticle loaded SBA-15 and their excellent catalytic activity in reduction of variety of dyes

In this paper, we report a simple aqueous solution based chemical method for preparation of Cu nanoparticle loaded mesoporous silica SBA-15 (Cu@SBA-15) catalysts. Synthesized catalysts were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), N-2 adsorption-desorption surface area and pore size analyzer, and particle size analyzer. Catalytic activity of Cu nanoparticle loaded SBA-15 towards reduction of various dyes, such as 4-nitrophenol, Methyl Orange, Congo Red, Rhodamine B, Methylene Blue and mixture of dyes were investigated in the presence of excess NaBH4. Catalysis reactions were monitored by employing UV-vis spectroscopy. Catalysis reactions followed pseudo-first order rate equation. These catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic activity and convenient recycling. The high catalytic activity, cost effectiveness and simple preparation methodology make 12.5Cu@SBA-15 an attractive catalyst for decolorization of organic dyes. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.