Synthesis and size control of copper nanoparticles and their catalytic application

Abstract

The synthesis and catalytic properties of copper nanoparticles (Cunps) were reported using L-ascorbic acid as reducing and capping agent in aqueous medium. The effect of different concentrations of L-ascorbic acid on the particle size of Cunps was investigated. The synthesized Cunps were characterized by UV-Visible spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer. The result indicates that the size of copper nanoparticles decreases with the increase in concentration of L-ascorbic acid. L-Ascorbic acid plays an important role to protect the copper nanoparticles from oxidation and agglomeration which helps nanoparticles to get better stability for the application. The synthesized Cunps show excellent catalytic activity in the oxidation of serine (Ser) by peroxomonosulphate (PMS). The catalytic activity of Cunps increases with the decrease in size of Cunps. The Cunps are expected to be suitable alternative and play an imperative role in the fields of catalysis and environmental remediation.