Synthesis, characterization and catalytic applications of CuO-NiO bimetallic oxide nanoparticles towards the reduction of hazardous pollutants, derivative preparation and cross linking reaction

The CuO-NiO bimetallic oxide nanoparticle (BMNP) was synthesized via a chemical route by varying the concentration of Ni2+. The prepared CuO-NiO BMNP was investigated using various analytical instruments. The direct bandgap of CuO-NiO BMNP was decreased from 5.45 to 4.85 eV with the increasing concentration of Ni2+. The XRD of the prepared sample confirmed the formation of a mixture of CuO-NiO BMNP. The crystallite size was calculated as 32 nm. The FT-IR spectrum showed the metal oxide stretching around 450-700 cm(-1). The HR-TEM confirmed the BMNP formation with a particle size less than 20 nm. The catalytic activity of CuO-NiO BMNP was tested towards the reduction of a mixture of hazardous pollutants present in the effluent. The apparent rate constant (k(app)) values were determined as 0.0217 x 10(-2) s(-1) for reduction of Cr(VI) and 0.0212 x 10(-2) s(-1) for reduction of Flur dye, respectively. The catalytic role of CuO-NiO BMNP was further confirmed by synthesizing the derivatives of indole and brilliant green (BG) dye. The experimental results were carefully analyzed and compared with the literature report.

Automated summary

The CuO-NiO bimetallic oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and their properties were characterized. The concentration of Ni2+ affected the optical and structural properties of the CuO-NiO BMNPs. The synthesized CuO-NiO BMNPs demonstrated catalytic activity in reducing hazardous pollutants.