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Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles/clinoptilolite using Rheum palmatum L. root extract: high catalytic activity for reduction of 4-nitro phenol, rhodamine B, and methylene blue

  • Original Paper: Nano-structured materials (particles, fibers, colloids, composites, etc.)
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Abstract

Copper oxide nanoparticles have been immobilized on the surface of clinoptilolite using Rheum palmatum L. root extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent in this work. FT–IR spectroscopy, UV–Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction pattern, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy have been used to characterize clinoptilolite, copper oxide nanoparticles, and copper oxide nanoparticles/clinoptilolite. Catalytic activity of the prepared catalysts was studied in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol, methylene blue, and rhodamine B in the presence of sodium borohydride in water at ambient temperature. Copper oxide nanoparticles/clinoptilolite was found to be a highly active catalyst in the corresponding reactions. In addition, copper oxide nanoparticles/clinoptilolite can be recovered and recycled several times with no appreciable loss of catalytic activity.

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Acknowledgments

The author is thankful to Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) for supporting this project numbered 95823609. In addition, we gratefully acknowledge the Iran Nanotechnology Initiative Council.

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Correspondence to Maryam Bordbar.

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Bordbar, M., Sharifi-Zarchi, Z. & Khodadadi, B. Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles/clinoptilolite using Rheum palmatum L. root extract: high catalytic activity for reduction of 4-nitro phenol, rhodamine B, and methylene blue. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol 81, 724–733 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-016-4239-1

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