Preparation and Characterization of the Catalyst Based on the Copper Nanoparticles

In this paper was studied a catalytic system based on copper nanoparticles which were stabilized by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPD40) and deposited on the surface of activated carbon substrate. Two methods of preparation of the catalyst were worked out: deposition on the surface and reduction in the pore volume of activated carbon. Both methods depicted the formation of copper nanoparticles, regardless of the amount of copper taken for preparation. The microstructure and dimensions of the obtained catalytic systems were investigated by using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The copper nanoparticles obtained by applying to activated carbon are pure copper nanoparticles without signs of oxidation. Analysis of the surface of the catalysts showed that copper nanoparticles are concentrated in aggregates of irregular shape and layered structure. The developed catalytic systems were tested for hydrodechlorination of chlorobenzene in ethanol. The use of the developed catalyst made it possible to achieve a conversion of chlorobenzene of 94.46%. As a result of the reaction, benzene was formed as the main product. The data obtained by the chromatographic method was verified and proved by ^1H NMR spectroscopy.