Hierarchical CuO microparticles constructed via underwater Leidenfrost process and their Fenton-like catalytic activity

Abstract

In this report, a rapid and simple bottom-up approach to synthesize flower-like hierarchical CuO microparticles is demonstrated. Fabrication of microparticles with a mean size of 1.5 µm was successfully accomplished via hydrolysis of copper–ammonia complex at underwater dynamic Leidenfrost conditions and their structural, textural and chemical properties were examined. Besides, the Fenton-like catalytic activity of the as-prepared material is revealed by using caffeine micro-pollutant oxidation in aqueous solution. Complete degradation of caffeine with initial concentration of 10 ppm was observed after 170 min reaction time.