Microwave-assisted synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles by apple peel extract and efficient catalytic reduction on methylene blue and crystal violet

Abstract

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) can be synthesized by a one-pot synthetic process using microwave irradiation and an extract of apple peel as a nontoxic reducing agent and capping agent. This process has many advantages, including ease of operation, easy use of natural and non-toxic precursors, and the absence of harmful reagents. FE-SEM, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, XRD, XPS, Raman, and TGDTA are commonly used to characterize synthesized NPs. Based on the XRD results, the structure is face-centered cubic (FCC) with orientation (111). In addition, the synthesized green CuO NPs have been found to be highly effective in the reduction of MB dyes as well as CV dyes. Recovering and reusing catalysts with almost no loss of activity is possible.