Solvothermal synthesis of CuO-MgO nanocomposite particles and their catalytic applications

CuO-MgO nanocomposites were prepared by a solvothermal procedure. Analysis of the X-ray diffraction patterns of the nanoparticle samples showed the formation of minor second phase CuO in addition to MgO as a major phase. On the other hand, TEM images showed CuO minor phase nanoparticles embedded in the MgO matrix. The catalytic properties of these nanomaterials were then investigated with respect to increase in CuO component in the nanocomposite. Three different catalytic reactions for the treatment of model pollutants were selected for this purpose. These were the catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol, and catalytic degradation of methyl orange and methylene blue. In all cases the catalytic activity was found to increase with the amount of CuO in the nanocomposite. The catalytic efficiencies of all three reactions were high and followed zero-order kinetics.