Recent progress in Copper Nanomaterials: Catalysis, Energy, Biomedicine, and Environmental applications

Abstract

Copper-based nanocomposites have gained growing attention due to their high stability, reusability, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. They serve as efficient and cost-effective alternatives to noble metal catalysts in a wide range of organic transformations, particularly in C–C, C–N, C–O, and C–S bond-forming reactions. In addition to coupling processes, these catalysts have shown strong potential in oxidation, reduction, and other related transformations, underlining their versatility and functional significance. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent advances (2019-2024) in copper-based nanomaterials, with emphasis on their catalytic applications and broader roles in biomedical fields, environmental remediation, photocatalysis, sustainable energy, agriculture, and the food industry.