Synthesis of graphene quantum dots stabilized CuNPs and their applications in CuAAC reaction and 4-nitrophenol reduction

Abstract

Here we report the synthesis of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) stabilized copper nanoparticles in neat water. Construction of six CuNPs 1–6 nanocomposites are accomplished by mixing GQDs and NaBH4, and followed by the addition of different amounts of copper sulfate at 0 ℃ in water, respectively. Among them, CuNP-3, with the size of 2.6 nm, exhibits excellent catalytic performance in the CuAAC reaction over than other CuNPs. Moreover, the CuNP-3 has also been successfully applied for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol with excellent catalytic activity.