Cu₂O Nanoparticles Anchored on Amine-Functionalized Graphite Nanosheet: A Potential Reusable Catalyst

Synthesis of Cu₂O–amine-functionalized graphite nanosheet (AFGNS) composite has been accomplished at room temperature. In the first step, AFGNS is synthesized by wet chemical functionalization where the −NH₂ groups formed on nanosheet surface help to anchor the Cu²⁺ ions homogeneously through coordinate bonds. Reduction of Cu²⁺ (3.4 × 10^–2 mmol) in the presence of NaBH₄ (1.8 mmol) can be restricted to Cu¹⁺ on AFGNS surface at room temperature. This leads to the formation of uniform Cu₂O nanoparticles (NP) on AFGNS. The role played by the −NH₂ groups in anchoring Cu²⁺ ions and followed by stabilizing the Cu₂O NP on AFGNS was understood by controlled reactions in the absence of −NH₂ groups and without any graphitic support, respectively. The prepared Cu₂O–AFGNS composite shows excellent catalytic activity toward degradation of an azo dye, methyl orange, which is an environmental pollutant. The dye degradation proceeds with high rate constant value, and the composite shows high stability and excellent reuse capability.