Novel synthesis of highly catalytic active Cu@Ni/RGO nanocomposite for efficient hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol organic pollutant

•A novel and facile method was developed for synthesis of non-noble metal based catalyst Cu@Ni/RGO nanocomposite.•We discuss the role of in-situ generated H▪ (through spillover of H2 on Ni/RGO) for synthesis of crystalline Cu NPs.•Remarkable high catalytic activity of Cu@Ni/RGO nanocomposite was observed for 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) reduction at RT.

A novel method for the synthesis of non-noble metal based catalyst, copper–nickel-reduced graphene oxide (Cu@Ni/RGO) is established using two step methodology. First, the Ni/RGO nanocomposite was synthesized by the simultaneous reduction of Ni2+ ions and graphene oxide (GO) under reducing conditions, and after that Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were encapsulated on them. We discuss the role of in-situ generated hydrogen radical (H▪) through spillover of H2 on Ni/RGO which led the formation of crystalline Cu NPs, easily. The structure, composition and morphology of Cu@Ni/RGO nanocomposite were characterized by several related techniques. Further, we explored the practical application of non-noble metal based catalyst Cu@Ni/RGO for catalysis reaction due to its high catalytic performance towards reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP). It showed a remarkable high activity 90 s at room temperature (RT) with excellent stability up to 5 cycles.

Graphical abstractA novel method for the synthesis of non-noble metal based catalyst, copper–nickel-reduced graphene oxide (Cu@Ni/RGO) is established using two step methodology. First, the Ni/RGO nanocomposite was synthesized by the simultaneous reduction of Ni2+ ions and graphene oxide (GO) and after that Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were encapsulated on them. We explored the practical application of non-noble metal based catalyst Cu@Ni/RGO for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide