Natural polymers supported copper nanoparticles for pollutants degradation

In this report, chitosan (CS) was adhered on cellulose microfiber mat (CMM) to prepare CS-CMM. This was used as host for copper (Cu) nanoparticles preparation. After adsorption of Cu 2+ ions from an aqueous solution of CuSO 4 , the metal ions entrapped in CS coating layer was treated with sodium borohydride (NaBH 4 ) to prepare Cu nanoparticles loaded CS-CMM (Cu/CS-CMM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of Cu/CS-CMM hybrid. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was performed to reveal the morphology of the prepared catalyst. The prepared Cu/CS-CMM was employed as a catalyst for the degradation of nitro-aromatic compounds of 2-nitrophenol (2NP) and 4-nitrophenol (4NP) as well as an organic cresyl blue (CB) dye. Remarkably, the turnover frequency in the case of 2NP and 4NP using Cu/CS-CMM reaches 103.3 and 88.6 h −1 , outperforming previously reported Cu nanoparticles immobilized in hydrogel-based catalytic systems. The rate constants for 2NP, 4NP and CB were 1.2 × 10 −3  s −1 , 2.1 × 10 −3  s −1 and, 1.3 × 10 −3  s −1 , respectively. Besides, we discussed the separation of the catalyst from the reaction mixture and its re-usability.