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

• Synthesis of Cu NP loaded mesoporous silica SBA-15 using simple chemical technique.
• Excellent catalytic activity towards the decolorization of various dyes
• Easy separation and reusability of the catalyst

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), N2 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.

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