Synthesis of copper nanowires via underpotential deposition and hybridization for enhanced catalytic reduction of Cr(VI)

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High aspect ratio Cu nanowires were synthesized via a rapid method using metal ions with lower standard reduction potential than Cu. These nanowires were employed as catalysts for the environmentally critical reduction of toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) to the less harmful trivalent chromium (Cr(III)), a transformation essential for mitigating industrial wastewater pollution. However, due to the lower reduction potential of Cu compared to Cr, the nanowires oxidized and dissolved during the catalysis process. To enhance the recyclability and stability of the nanocatalysts, Cu–Pd nanowires were created through galvanic replacement and co-reduction reactions, offering improved performance and reusability in catalytic applications.