Single precursor sonochemical synthesis of mesoporous hexagonal-shape zero-valent copper for effective nitrate reduction

Abstract

This short communication reports an efficient protocol for green synthesis of three-dimensional hexagonal-like zero-valent Cu following a facile sonochemical route. The method involved the use of copper(II) acetate [Cu(CH3COO)2] as a precursor, and a mixture of ethylene glycol (C2H4(OH)2) and ethanol (1:1) as the solvent. The final products obtained were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, porosity analysis and UV–visible spectroscopy to investigate the reduction of nitrate from polluted waters. Surface activity of the prepared materials for the removal of nitrate was examined by ion chromatography. The results indicated that the prepared zero-valent copper has a hexagonal shape and is well crystallized with a specific surface area of 23 m2/g. High reactivity of products towards nitrate (>90% after 30 min) clearly demonstrated the efficiency of this novel, fast, facile, and green method for the synthesis of pure-phase copper zero-valent materials for environmental remediation.