Cu and Cu-Based Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Applications in Catalysis

Abstract

The applications of copper (Cu) and Cu-based nanoparticles, which are based on the earth-abundant and inexpensive copper metal, have generated a great deal of interest in recent years, especially in the field of catalysis. The possible modification of the chemical and physical properties of these nanoparticles using different synthetic strategies and conditions and/or via postsynthetic chemical treatments has been largely responsible for the rapid growth of interest in these nanomaterials and their applications in catalysis. In addition, the design and development of novel support and/or multimetallic systems (e.g., alloys, etc.) has also made significant contributions to the field. In this comprehensive review, we report different synthetic approaches to Cu and Cu-based nanoparticles (metallic copper, copper oxides, and hybrid copper nanostructures) and copper nanoparticles immobilized into or supported on various support materials (SiO2, magnetic support materials, etc.), along with their applications in catalysis. The synthesis part discusses numerous preparative protocols for Cu and Cu-based nanoparticles, whereas the application sections describe their utility as catalysts, including electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and gas-phase catalysis. We believe this critical appraisal will provide necessary background information to further advance the applications of Cu-based nanostructured materials in catalysis.

Cite this paper

Related papers

1. Adsorption of Gases in Multimolecular Layers1938
2. Visible-Light Photocatalysis in Nitrogen-Doped Titanium Oxides2001
3. Selective gas adsorption and separation in metal–organic frameworks2009
4. Improved adsorption energetics within density-functional theory using revised Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof functionals1999
5. Magnetic Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Protection, Functionalization, and Application2007