Monolithic Cu/C hybrid beads with well-developed porosity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol

In this study, we demonstrate a biomass conversion route to fabricate monolithic copper nanoparticles supported on carbon (Cu/C) beads with well-developed porosity by thermally decomposing copper alginate (Cu-SA) beads in the flow of N-2. The as-prepared Cu/C hybrid beads were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results revealed that highly uniformCu nanoparticles were successfully supported on the porous carbon beads. The as-prepared Cu/C hybrid beads exhibited high stability and durable activity, with more than 92% conversion within 7 successive cycles, for the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) by NaBH4 in aqueous solution.