One-Pot Synthesis of Stable Copper-Based Core-Shell Catalysts for Highly Efficient 4-Nitrophenol Reduction and Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation

Abstract

Copper (Cu)-based nanoparticle catalysts have emerged as promising alternatives to noble metal catalysts due to their abundance and cost-effectiveness. However, challenges such as nanoparticle aggregation and oxidation hinder their reusability and overall performance. In this study, we present a highly efficient one-pot synthesis method for Cu-based core-shell catalysts through a combination of impregnation and in situ post-calcination. By incorporating hierarchically porous carbon structures in the core-shell configuration, we effectively mitigate agglomeration and complete oxidation of Cu nanoparticles. The resulting catalysts demonstrate outstanding catalytic performance and long-term stability in 4-nitrophenol reduction and benzyl alcohol oxidation reactions. Overall, our straightforward and rapid synthesis strategy offers a novel approach for fabricating Cu nanoparticle catalysts with exceptional activity and durability, paving the way for sustainable catalytic transformations.

Keywords: Cu catalyst, One-pot, Core-shell, Heterogenous catalysis, Reduction and Oxidation