Shape-controlled synthesis of 3D copper nicotinate hollow microstructures and their catalytic properties

Abstract

A series of three-dimensional (3D) copper nicotinate hollow microstructures were fabricated by a one step method. The shape of the copper nicotinate hollow microstructures evolved from a hexagon, to an octagon and to a tetragonum, depending on the setting time and concentrations of the reactants. The 3D copper nicotinate hollow microstructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanism of the growth of the copper nicotinate hollow microstructures has also been investigated, which indicated that 3D copper nicotinate hollow microstructures were assembled by ultrathin copper nicotinate nano-sheets. The catalytic activities of the as-obtained copper nicotinate hollow microstructures for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol by sodium borohydride were examined. The catalytic activity of copper nicotinate hollow microstructures was greatly improved due to the hollow structure.