Cu2O/TiO2 heterostructure nanotube arrays prepared by an electrodeposition method exhibiting enhanced photocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction to methanol

Cu₂O/TiO₂ composite nanotube arrays demonstrating enhanced photocatalytic performance were synthesized using an electrodeposition method to impregnate the p-type Cu₂O into the n-type titanium dioxide nanotube arrays (TNTs). The morphological results confirmed that the TNTs are wrapped by the Cu₂O nanoparticles and the UV–Vis absorption spectra showed that the Cu₂O/TNTs display a better ability for visible light absorption compared to the pure TNTs. CO₂ photocatalytic reduction experiments carried out by using Cu₂O/TNT nanocomposites proved that Cu₂O/TNTs exhibit high photocatalytic activity in conversion of CO₂ to methanol, while pure TNT arrays were almost inactive. Furthermore, Cu₂O/TNTs also exhibited augmented activity in degradation of target organic pollutant like acid orange (AO) under visible light irradiation. The ultra enhanced photocatalytic activity noticed by using Cu₂O/TNTs in CO₂ reduction and degradation of organic pollutant could be attributed to the formation of Cu₂O/TiO₂ heterostructures with higher charge separation efficiency.     

A facile and novel construction of attapulgite/Cu2O/Cu/g-C3N4 with enhanced photocatalytic activity for antibiotic degradation

A high-performance photocatalyst, attapulgite/Cu₂O/Cu/g-C₃N₄ (ATP/Cu₂O/Cu/g-C₃N₄), was constructed via a one-pot redox strategy under anoxic calcination. The as-prepared composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms (BET), photoluminescence emission (PL), and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). Results indicate that ultra-fine CuO nanoparticles on the surface of rod-like attapulgite are in-situ reduced by NH₃ gas to generate Cu and minority Cu₂O during the pyrocondensation of melamine. Meanwhile, the generated g-C₃N₄ membrane is uniformly encapsulated on the surface of attapulgite/Cu₂O/Cu to assemble Z-scheme Cu₂O/Cu/g-C₃N₄ heterostructure. ATP/Cu₂O/Cu/g-C₃N₄ shows improved visible light response ability and hole-electron suppression compared with ATP/g-C₃N₄. The photocatalytic performance and mechanism of the obtained photocatalyst for antibiotic degradation were evaluated by UV–Vis spectrometer and liquid chromatograph. ATP/Cu₂O/Cu/g-C₃N₄ can exhibit favorable photocatalytic activity and reusability for chloramphenicol. In addition, h⁺ and·OH radicals are the main active sites in the photocatalytic process, and Cu species play a vital role in separation and retarding recombination of electron-hole pairs.     

Preparation of waste-based Cu–Cu2O/SiO2 photocatalyst from serpentine tailings and waste printed circuit boards and photoreduction of Cr(VI)

In China, a large amount of serpentine tailings and waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) are produced every year. Serpentine tailings contain about 43% SiO₂ and WPCBs contain about 20% Cu. Reusing their resources can not only solve the problem of environmental pollution, but also produce certain economic benefits. In this study, waste-based SiO₂ support, waste-based Cu–Cu₂O and Cu–Cu₂O/SiO₂ photocatalyst were prepared using serpentine tailings and WPCBs as Si and Cu sources. The waste-based SiO₂ of 750 nm particle size was obtained by precipitation of 0.7 mol/L Na₂SiO₃ solution from the serpentine tailings and its specific surface area reached 57.72 m²/g after 600 °C calcination. Cu and the waste-based Cu–Cu₂O were loaded on the waste-based Cu₂O and SiO₂ support, respectively, and the phase structure of the catalysts has not changed by the characterization of SEM, XRD and XPS. The activity of the photocatalytic reduction of Cr (VI) with the waste-based catalysts showed in the following order: Cu₂O < Cu₂O/SiO₂<Cu–Cu₂O < Cu–Cu₂O/SiO₂, inferring by the investigation of photoelectric properties that Cu prevented the recombination of Cu₂O electron-hole pairs, the Cu–Cu₂O dispersed on SiO₂ support surface to obtain a higher specific surface area. The waste-based Cu–Cu₂O/SiO₂ photocatalyst showed no obvious deactivation after 5 cycles. The mechanism revealed that photogenerated electrons are the major reactive species for the photodegradation of Cr (VI). The study indicates that the waste-based Cu–Cu₂O/SiO₂ is potentially a developed, low-cost catalyst from sustainable resources. The production of Cu–Cu₂O/SiO₂ photocatalyst by using WPCBs and serpentine tailings represents the potential usage of waste into valuable material.     

In-situ generation Cu2O/CuO core-shell heterostructure based on copper oxide nanowires with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic antibacterial activity

As visible light-driven photocatalysts in wastewater treatment, Cu₂O/CuO composites have garnered considerable attention. Herein, Cu₂O/CuO core–shell nanowires were fabricated directly on a Cu mesh using a simple two-step synthesis process involving a wet chemical method and rapid annealing. Unlike conventional composite nanowires, controllable core–shell nanowires exhibit high photoelectrochemical properties and overcome the problems associated with the recovery of powder-based photocatalysts. The presence and structural distribution of the Cu₂O/CuO core–shell nanowires were confirmed using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Among the samples subjected to different rapid annealing temperatures for 180 s, the sample exposed to rapid annealing at 350 °C achieved the highest photocurrent density of ?6.96 mA cm^?2. In the core–shell nanowires fabricated on the samples, the ratio of Cu₂O/CuO was 1:1. The photocatalytic activity of the Cu₂O/CuO nanowire samples was also determined by measuring methyl blue degradation to determine their applicability in wastewater treatment. A remarkable photocatalytic degradation rate of 91.6% was achieved at a loading bias voltage of ?0.5 V. The Cu₂O/CuO heterojunction enhanced the photodegradation of the samples because the different bandgaps improved the dissociation of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of the Cu₂O/CuO nanowires exhibited considerable resistance against Escherichia coli and photocatalytic antibacterial treatment for only 20 min under visible light killed 10⁶ CFU/mL of E. coli. Therefore, the Cu₂O/CuO controllable core–shell nanowires with a high photodegradation performance and excellent antibacterial activity under general illumination show diverse applications in water treatment.     

A unique Cu2O/TiO2 nanocomposite with enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation

A unique Cu₂O/TiO₂ nanocomposite with high photocatalytic activity was synthesized via a two-step chemical solution method and used for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dye. The structure, morphology, composition, optical and photocatalytic properties of the as-prepared samples were investigated in detail. The results suggested that the Cu₂O/TiO₂ nanocomposite is composed of hierarchical TiO₂ hollow microstructure coated by a great many Cu₂O nanoparticles. The photocatalytic performance of Cu₂O/TiO₂ nanocomposite was evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light, and compared with those of the pure TiO₂ and Cu₂O photocatalysts synthesized by the identical synthetic route. Within 120 min of reaction time, nearly 100% decolorization efficiency of MB was achieved by Cu₂O/TiO₂ photocatalyst, which is much higher than that of pure TiO₂ (26%) or Cu₂O (32%). The outstanding photocatalytic efficiency was mainly ascribed to the unique architecture, the extended photoresponse range and efficient separation of the electron-hole pairs in the Cu₂O/TiO₂ heterojunction. In addition, the Cu₂O/TiO₂ nanocomposite also retains good cycling stability in the photodegradation of MB.     

Controlled synthesis of (CuO-Cu2O)Cu/ZnO multi oxide nanocomposites by facile combustion route: A potential photocatalytic,antimicrobial and anticancer activity

Photocatalytic activity of (CuO-Cu₂O)Cu/ZnO hetero-junction nanocomposites along with their luminescent, biological applications in the progress of anticancer and antibacterial agents is investigated. The Cu and Zn bi-components modified (CuO-Cu₂O)Cu/ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized via facile combustion route in the presence of controlled fuel to oxidizer ratio and were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), High resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), photoluminescence (PL) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The PL and UV–Visible diffused reflectance spectral (UV–Vis-DRS) techniques were used to measure the optical sensitivity and tuning of band gap in the samples. The excellent photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue and industrial waste water under Sunlight irradiation depends on the mass ratios of Cu/Zn. The findings show that the addition of a certain proportion of CuO, Cu₂O, ZnO, and Cu can promote efficiency in Sunlight harvesting and separation of charge carriers. Process parameters namely catalyst quantity, dye concentration and a proposal for the mechanism of degradation pathway, experiments for trapping and enhancer are investigated. The study of photoluminescence, CIE and CCT calculations suggests that the present nanocomposite may find applications as phosphor material in warm white LEDs. The second segment of this study deals with the investigation of antibacterial performance of composites upon Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The results indicate that nanocomposites can be used in antibacterial control systems and as an important growth inhibitor in various microorganisms. The cytotoxic effect of the (CuO-Cu₂O)Cu/ZnO (CCCZ11) nanocomposite was determined by colorimetric and flow cytometric cell cycle analysis. Our experimental results show that the nanocomposite can induce apoptosis and suppress the proliferation of HeLa cells. The applications of nanocomposites based on Cu, an abundant and inexpensive metal has created much interest in various multifunctional applications.     

Photocatalytic decomposition of N2O on Cu+/Y-zeolite catalysts prepared by ion-exchange

Insitu characterization of Cu⁺/Y-zeolite catalysts and their photocatalytic reactivities for the decomposition of N₂O into N₂ and O₂ have been investigated by means ofin situ photoluminescence, XAFS, and ESR techniques along with an analysis of the reaction products. It was found that Cu(I) ions included within the nanopores of Y-zeolite exist as the [Cu(I)--Cu(I)] dimer species as well as the isolated Cu(I) monomer species, their ratio being much dependent on the SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio of Y-zeolite. UV irradiation of these Cu⁺/Y-zeolite catalysts in the presence of N₂O led to the photocatalytic decomposition of N₂O into N₂ and O₂ at temperatures as low as 275 K. The electronically excited state of Cu(I) ion (3d⁹4s¹ state) plays a vital role in the photocatalytic decomposition of N₂O into N₂ and O₂. The photocatalytic reactivity of these Cu⁺/zeolite catalysts was found to be strongly affected by the local structure of the Cu(I) ions which could easily be modified by changing the SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio of Y-zeolite. The isolated linear 2 coordinated Cu(I) monomer species formed on Y-zeolite having a moderate SiO₂/ A1₂O₃ ratio exhibited a high photocatalytic reactivity for the direct decomposition of N₂O into N₂ and O₂, clearly showing the importance of the coordinative unsaturation of the active sites.     

Preparation of Cu2O/exfoliated graphite composites with high visible light photocatalytic performance and stability

Cu₂O/exfoliated graphite composites (Cu₂O/EG (1 wt%), Cu₂O/EG (4 wt%), Cu₂O/EG (7 wt%), Cu₂O/EG (10 wt%), and Cu₂O/EG (15 wt%)) were prepared by the precipitation method. The photocatalytic activity of the material was evaluated using the decolorization of methyl orange (MO) solution as model reaction. Results showed that Cu₂O deposited on the worm-like flakes of EG in the form of nanocrystals. The EG provided a three-dimensional environment for photocatalytic reaction and endowed a high adsorption capacity for the sample. Under optimal conditions, the decolorization efficiencies of MO for 60 min reached 96.7%. Recycling of the catalyst showed Cu₂O/EG composites (10 wt%) to possess high photocatalytic efficiency even when repeatedly used for five times.     

Structure and Composition of Au–Cu and Pd–Cu Bimetallic Catalysts Affecting Acetylene Reactivity

Au–Cu and Pd–Cu bimetallic model catalysts were prepared on native SiO₂/Si(100) substrate under ultra high vacuum (UHV) by employing buffer layer assisted growth procedure with amorphous solid water as the buffer material. The effect of the bimetallic nanoclusters (NCs) surface composition and morphology on their chemical reactivity has been studied with acetylene decomposition and conversion to ethylene and benzene as the chemical probe. It was found that among the Au–Cu NCs compositions, Au_0.5Cu₃ NCs revealed outstanding catalytic selectivity towards ethylene formation. These NCs were further characterized by employing TEM, XPS and HAADF-STEM coupled EDX analysis. With CO molecule as a probe, CO temperature programmed desorption has been used to investigate the distribution of gold on the top-most surface of the supported clusters. Surface segregation at high relative elemental fraction of gold leads to a decreased activity of the Au–Cu NCs towards ethylene formation. In contrast to the Au–Cu NCs, the Pd–Cu bimetallic system reveals reduced sensitivity to the relative elemental composition with respect to selectivity of the acetylene transformation toward ethylene formation. On the other hand, remarkable activity towards benzene formation has been observed at elemental composition of Cu₃Pd, at comparable rates to those for ethylene formation on clean Pd NCs.     

Photocatalytic performance and antibacterial mechanism of Cu/Ag-molybdate powder material

Mo-containing semiconductors have attracted significant attention because of their unique photosensitivity, rendering superior visible-light photocatalytic activity. The current study utilizes a combination of theoretical and experimental approaches to systematically investigate the correlation between crystal structure, morphology, photocatalytic activity and stability of rod-shaped copper molybdate (Cu₃Mo₂O₉) and layered silver molybdate nanomaterials (Ag₂MoO₄). At the same time, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is used, as a model gram-negative bacterium, to demonstrate antimicrobial properties of Cu₃Mo₂O₉ and Ag₂MoO₄. The results reveal that as-prepared Cu₃Mo₂O₉ and Ag₂MoO₄ exhibit superior antibacterial performance and excellent photocatalytic activity. Finally, the antibacterial mechanism is proposed based on experimental results, revealing that the sterilization is achieved by ion sterilization and formation of a certain amount of ROS and medium acidification. The present work enhances our understanding of the Cu/Ag-molybdate antibacterial mechanism and demonstrates the feasibility of constructing Mo-containing photocatalysts with high photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities.     

High-stable CuPd–Cu2O/Ti-powder catalyst for low-temperature gas-phase selective oxidation of alcohols

The oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds in gas-phase is of great importance in organic chemistry and industrial process. Herein, the catalyst CuPd–Cu₂O/Ti-powder is prepared by depositing Cu(NO₃)₂ and Pd(NO₃)₂ on Ti powder support followed by in-situ activation in reaction stream, which delivers high-performance for the gas-phase oxidation of alcohols. Compared with Cu/Ti-powder and Pd/Ti-powder, CuPd–Cu₂O/Ti-powder exhibits higher stability and activity in alcohol oxidation reaction. The catalyst is characterized by XRD, XPS, TEM and ICP. The results indicate that CuPd(alloy)–Cu₂O formed during the reaction contributes to the high activity and stability.     

Electrochemical properties of Cu2O/Cu composite particles prepared by a novel and facile method

Cu₂O/Cu composite particles were synthesized by a novel and facile chemical reduction method without any template or surfactant. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the product mainly consisted of the Cu₂O phase coexisting with a few Cu phases. Typical FE-SEM images indicated that the particles with an octahedral shape were Cu₂O. In addition, the electrochemical performance of the Cu₂O/Cu particles as the working electrode material in alkaline solution was systematically investigated. The particles showed a maximum discharge capacity of 222.9 mAh g⁻¹ at a discharge current density of 60 mA g⁻¹ and a high value of 109.1 mAh g⁻¹ after 50 charge–discharge cycles. The results of cyclic voltammetry demonstrated that the reaction between Cu₂O and Cu is the major electrochemical reaction during the charging and discharging process. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated that the formation of Cu₂O on the surface of Cu particles significantly increased the contact resistance and the charge transfer resistance of the electrode during the discharging process.     

An EXAFS study of Cu/ZnO and Cu/ZnO-Al2O3 methanol synthesis catalysts

Cu K-absorption edge and EXAFS measurements on binary Cu/ZnO and ternary Cu/ ZnO-Al₂O₃ catalysts of varying compositions on reduction with hydrogen at 523 K, show the presence of Cu microclusters and a species of Cu¹⁺ dissolved in ZnO apart from metallic Cu and Cu₂O. The proportions of different phases critically depend on the heating rate especially for catalysts of higher Cu content. Accordingly, hydrogen reduction with a heating rate of 10 K/min predominantly yields the metal species (>50%), while a slower heating rate of 0.8 K/min enhances the proportion of the Cu¹⁺ species ( 60%). Reduced Cu/ZnO-Al₂O₃ catalysts show the presence of metallic Cu (upto 20%) mostly in the form of microclusters and Cu¹⁺ in ZnO as the major phase ( 60%). The addition of alumina to the Cu/ZnO catalyst seems to favour the formation of Cu¹⁺/ZnO species.     

Simple synthesis of Cu2O/Na-bentonite composites and their excellent photocatalytic properties in treating methyl orange solution

Cu₂O/Na-bentonite (Cu₂O/NB) composites were firstly synthesized by a simple deposition method. The morphology and composition of the prepared catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area. The results show that the Cu₂O microparticles can be immobilized on the surface of the NB. Visible-light photocatalytic properties of the Cu₂O/NB composites were evaluated using methyl orange (MO) as a model pollutant and the effects of various experimental factors on MO decolorization were investigated. Cu₂O/NB composites demonstrated a much higher photocatalytic activity than the pure Cu₂O particles under similar experimental conditions.     

Dye-sensitized solar cell performance and photocatalytic activity enhancement using binary zinc oxide-copper oxide nanocomposites prepared via co-precipitation route

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and binary ZnO–CuO nanocomposites (ZnO–CuO NCs) were prepared through a simple chemical co-precipitation route. The influence of copper (Cu²⁺) ions concentration (0.03, 0.06, 0.09, and 0.12 M) on optical, morphological, structural, and elemental characteristics of the ZnO–CuO NCs was examined by appropriate characterization techniques. The visible light reactive CuO created absorption shift to red region that minimized band gap of the ZnO–CuO NCs. The concentration of Cu²⁺ ions produced appreciable impact on size of the ZnO–CuO NCs. The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) constructed using ZnO–CuO NC photoanode with Cu²⁺ ions concentration of 0.06 M generated a conclusive solar to electrical energy transformation efficiency of 2.56%, which was a 2.2-times greater over the DSSC encompassed pristine photoanode of ZnO NPs. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis revealed the longer lifetime of the photogenerated electrons and reduction in the charge recombination rate in the ZnO_(0.44)–Cu_(0.06) NC photoanode based DSSC. Furthermore, the ZnO_(0.44)–Cu_(0.06) NC disclosed substantial photocatalytic activity towards methylene blue dye degradation that could be chiefly credited to its particles size induced visible light absorption property.     

Characterization of Cu Nanoparticles on TiO2 Photocatalysts Fabricated by Electroless Plating Method

Cu-modified TiO₂ photocatalysts (Cu/TiO₂) were fabricated by electroless plating and wet impregnation methods. Photocatalytic activity for H₂ production over Cu/TiO₂ by electroless plating method was higher than that over Cu/TiO₂ by impregnation method. Characterization of Cu nanoparticles by HRTEM, STEM-EDX, XRD and XAFS was studied. As compared to the wet impregnation method, the electroless plating method resulted in the formation of Cu nanoparticles with small size and uniform distribution on the TiO₂ surface, which caused the enhancement of H₂ production. XAFS measurement provided the evidences for the chemical state change of Cu species during the photocatalytic reaction. The process that Cu species varied from Cu²⁺ into Cu⁰ via Cu¹⁺ as the intermediate under photoirradiation is very important for the H₂ production, which indicates that the metallic Cu nanoparticles acted as the active sites and restrained the photogenerated charges recombination.     

Preparation and characterization of cellulose-based nanocomposite hydrogel films containing CuO/Cu2O/Cu with antibacterial activity

In the present study, the influence of citric acid (CA) on hydrogel films composed of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and CuO nanoflakes was investigated for their physicochemical, mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties. XRD patterns showed that the prepared hydrogel films revealed the crystalline phase for CuO/Cu₂O/Cu at 20% CA concentration. Laser micro-Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of CuO and Cu₂O in the films. Increase in CA concentration decreased the swelling degree and tensile strength and increased the decomposition temperature of NaCMC, HPMC, and CuO. According to FESEM and FETEM results, shape and size of CuO nanoflakes were completely changed into spherical nanoparticles with increase in CA concentration. HRTEM and inverse Fourier transform images showed that the d-spacing of CuO, Cu₂O, and Cu were correlated with XRD results. The prepared hydrogel films exhibited significant antibacterial activity and biocompatibility against HaCaT cells. All these data recommend that the prepared hydrogel films may be used for potential wound healing applications.     

Cu/Cu2O nanoparticles modified Ti3C2 MXene with in-situ formed TiO2-X for detection of hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is frequently used in various chemical reactions, the food industry, environmental protection, and the medical and biological fields. Cost-effective, simple, and quick detection technologies with great sensitivity are highly desired. The emerging two-dimensional MXene is favorable in the sensing field due to its outstanding conductivity, stability, and large surface area. Moreover, the in-situ generated TiO_2-X on Ti₃C₂ MXene has been proven an excellent biosensor material due to its biocompatibility. Herein, we decorated Cu/Cu₂O nanoparticles onto Ti₃C₂ MXene with in-situ generated TiO_2-X nanoparticles, forming heterojunction through a simple one-step hydrothermal process. The Cu/Cu₂O/TiO_2-X/Ti₃C₂ (Cu/Cu₂O/TT) exhibits good electrochemical sensing capability toward H₂O₂, with a linear range up to 28.328 mM, a sensitivity of 312 μA mM^?1 cm^?2, and a detection limit (LOD) of 0.42 μΜ. The synergistic interactions between Cu/Cu₂O nanoparticles and TiO_2-X/Ti₃C₂ heterojunction not only improved electron transfer and electrocatalytic activity, but also facilitated the mobility of targeting molecules on the catalyst due to the abundance of exposed catalytic sites. Therefore, compared to TiO_2-X/Ti₃C₂, Cu/Cu₂O/TT has a lower LOD, faster reaction, and five times the sensitivity. Additionally, the outstanding photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing performance is demonstrated of Cu/Cu₂O/TT for H₂O₂ detection, displaying a low LOD, long-term stability, repeatability, and selectivity. This report may expand the application of MXene-based materials as electrochemical sensors.     

Photocatalytic properties of mesoporous TiO2 nanocomposites modified with carbon nanotubes and copper

The photocatalytic activity of mesoporous TiO₂ modified by the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Cu is reported. Nanocomposites of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) containing varying amounts of Cu were formed by treatment with Cu²⁺ then reduced to Cu⁰ using NaBH₄ as the reducing agent. The mesoporous TiO₂, synthesized by a sol-gel method from titanium isopropoxide, was combined with the CNT/Cu nanocomposites to form the photocatalysts which were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, XPS and BET surface area analysis. The photocatalytic properties of the mesoporous TiO₂ composites were studied by measuring the degradation of methyl orange (MO) which was optimal in the sample containing 20 wt% of the Cu-CNT nanocomposite. The degradation efficiency for MO was a synergistic effect of photo-degradation of TiO₂ and may be due to improvement of the electrical conductivity of the system by the presence of the CNT/Cu networks, since the photodegradation of MO and the photocatalytic activity of the photoactive systems increased with increasing copper content.     

Amidohydroxylated polyester with biophotoactivity along with retarding alkali hydrolysis through in situ synthesis of Cu/Cu2O nanoparticles using diethanolamine

In this research, polyester fabric was modified through in situ synthesis of Cu/Cu₂O nanoparticles (NPs) in one single step processing using diethanolamine. This introduced amide and hydroxyl active groups on the polyester surface, adjusted pH, aminolyzed, and improved the surface activity of polyester. Copper sulfate was used as precursor, sodium hypophosphite as a reducing agent and polyvinylpyrrolidone as a stabilizer in a chemical reduction route at boil as a facile and cost‐effective approach. The central composite design was also utilized to optimize the processing conditions and study the effect of each variables on the weight gain, color change, and wettability of the treated fabrics. FESEM and mapping, EDX, XRD, and FTIR analysis confirmed effective assembling of Cu/Cu₂O NPs on the amidohydroxylated polyester surface. The optimum treated fabric showed excellent antibacterial properties on both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In addition, a very good photocatalytic activity towards degradation of methylene blue solution obtained after 24 h sunlight irradiation. Further, the hydrophilicity, mechanical properties and stability of the treated fabrics in concentrated sodium hydroxide improved through formation of amidohydroxyl active groups, amidoester cross‐linking and nanocross‐linking within polymeric chains through in situ synthesis of Cu/Cu₂O. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44856.