Honey mediated green synthesis of graphene based NiO2/Cu2O nanocomposite (Gr@NiO2/Cu2O NCs): Catalyst for the synthesis of functionalized Schiff-base derivatives

In this research work Reduced Graphene Oxide with Nickel (II) peroxide/copper (I) Oxide (Gr@NiO2/Cu2O NCs) have been successfully synthesized through a facile, one-step green synthesis mediated through the honey. The benefit of this methodology is that both the reducing agents themselves and also the oxidized product are eco-friendly. Additionally, reduction capability to graphene oxide, the oxidized products of honey i.e. reducing sugar could also act as capping agent and stabilizer in the synthesis of Gr@NiO2/Cu2O NCs, which showed good stability as a heterogeneous catalyst. This environmentally friendly approach can open up the new possible synthesis route for the graphene based nanocomposites on industrial scale production. Moreover, In this context, herein we report, an easy and effective synthesis of substituted Schiff base derivatives through the Graphene-based (Gr@NiO2/Cu2O NCs) green heterogeneous catalyst under ligand-free conditions, which provided good to excellent yields. The catalyst was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, RAMAN, UV and DLS analysis. The thermal stability of the catalyst was assessed by TGA and DSC analysis. Shorter reaction times, low packing of catalyst and higher yields are the benefit of this novel protocol. Its activity and simple recyclability without losing catalytic activity sort this catalyst a better replacement than another catalyst.