Fabricated copper catalyst on biochar nanoparticles for the synthesis of tetrazoles as antimicrobial agents

Abstract

Biochar is a carbon-rich solid which its surface was covered by high density of carbonyl, hydroxyl and carboxylic acid functional groups. In this work, biochar nanoparticles were prepared from pyrolysis of chicken manure and further a new copper catalyst was supported on its surface (Cu-ABA@biochar) as reusable and environmental biocatalyst. The structure of this catalyst has been characterized by SEM, EDS, WDX, XRD, TGA, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, FT-IR and AAS techniques. SEM images of this catalyst demonstrate that particle size is less than 100 nm in diameter. The catalytic activity of this nanocatalyst was studied in the synthesis of tetrazole derivatives. Tetrazole products were obtained in high TOF and TON values in the presence of Cu-ABA@biochar, which indicate the high efficiency of this catalyst. The biological activity of obtained tetrazoles was screened against several Gram-positive & Gram-negative bacteria strains which these compounds were found to possess promising activity. This catalyst was reused for several runs without significant loss of its catalytic activity or copper leaching. Also, recovered catalyst was characterized by SEM, FT-IR, AAS and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. Heterogeneity and stability of this nanocatalyst was confirmed by hot filtration test and reusing of catalyst.