Reduced graphene oxide-supported Cu nanoparticles for the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to aldehyde with molecular oxygen

Copper nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (Cu@rGO) were prepared at room temperature via one-step reduction of graphene oxide and copper ions. Analyses by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that copper was successfully decorated over the rGO sheets. The Cu@rGO nanocomposite can be used as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde with 97% conversion and 98% selectivity. The synergistic effect between copper nanoparticles and graphene results in a highly active and stable catalyst for several cycles of use.