Modification of calcium carbonate from blue mussel shells with copper oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

Biogenic calcium carbonate byproducts can be repurposed as valuable materials. In this study, we prepared copper oxide nanocomposites of a calcite material (soft calcite) derived from Newfoundland blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) shells. The nanocomposites were synthesized via the simultaneous reduction of copper(II) salts using a Newfoundland partridge berry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) extract and the incorporation of the copper-containing nanoparticles onto the surface of the soft calcite. The syntheses were carried out under varying conditions of time, temperature and pH to optimise the incorporation of copper in the composites, with XPS studies providing insights into copper speciation. Among the different nanocomposites, the nanocomposite prepared at room temperature in the presence of NaOH for 48 h had the highest copper content. This nanocomposite was selected for further investigation of catalytic activity through the reduction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of sodium borohydride. Appreciable reduction could be attained in 20 min.