Cysteine and ionic liquid modified magnetic nanoparticles supported RuCu as a new bimetallic catalyst in reduction reactions

In this study, bimetallic RuCu supported on L-cysteine functionalized ionic liquid modified magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@IL-Cys-RuCu) was successfully synthesized and characterized. This bimetallic nanocatalyst showed excellent activity in the reduction of 2,3, and 4-nitrophenol isomers and organic dyes as well as catalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC) at room temperature in water. Using this catalyst, complete reduction of nitrophenols was achieved within 9-16 min and degradation of organic dyes and tetracycline were accomplished within 7-4 and 30 min, respectively. The superior activity of bimetallic RuCu compared to similar Ru and Cu catalysts was proved and results indicated that the based on type of reaction, bimetallic catalyst was 2-33 times more efficient than the corresponding monometallic catalysts. This catalyst was recovered and recycled up to 14 times without decreasing in the catalytic activity and stability of the reused catalyst was confirmed by TEM, XRD and XPS.