Facile synthesis of porous copper nanobelts and their catalytic performance

In this paper, porous Cu nanobelts (NBs) have been successfully synthesized by a simple mixed solvent (1,4-dioxane and water) and cationic–anionic pair surfactant (n-undecylenic acid and dodecylamine)-assisted chemical reduction route. The obtained porous Cu NBs are face-centered cubic phase and well crystallined, while their surfaces are partially oxidized to form Cu2O. The effect of composition of the mixed solvent, surfactant and NaOH on the Cu nanostructures is systematic investigated. Based on the experimental results, a possible formation mechanism of the porous Cu NBs is proposed. Furthermore, the catalytic property of the Cu2O-containing porous Cu NBs is evaluated. The cross-coupling reaction between phenylboronic acid and aqueous ammonia is chosen as the probe reaction. It is found that such the Cu nanostructure possesses good catalytic activity for the cross-coupling reaction at room temperature due to the pore structure and the strong synergistic effect between surface Cu2O species and metallic Cu host. Under optimized conditions, the yield and selectivity can reach 100%.

Graphical abstractPorous Cu nanobelts with Cu2O on their surface have been synthesized by reduction of cheap copper salt in mixed solvent and cationic–anionic pair surfactant system, which exhibit excellent catalytic performance in the coupling reaction between phenylboronic acid and aqueous ammonia with 100% yield under mild conditions.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The porous belt-like Cu nanostructure has been synthesized by a simple route. ► It is formed in mixed solvent and cationic–anionic pair surfactant assisted system. ► The surface of the Cu is found to be partially oxidized to form Cu2O species. ► The coupling reaction between phenylboronic acid and ammonia is tested. ► This Cu2O-containing Cu has excellent catalytic activity for the coupling reaction.