Catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol using CuO@Na2Ti(PO4)2⋅H2O

This article presents the synthesis, property characterization and catalytic application of CuO-supported disodium titanium phosphate, (CuO@Na2Ti(PO4)2⋅H2O) for the reduction of industrial pollutant 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). A simple hydrothermal route was developed to synthesize CuO@Na2Ti(PO4)2⋅H2O catalyst (CuO@Na2TiP) from beach sand ilmenite. The prepared CuO@Na2TiP was characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The catalyst 12 wt.% CuO@Na2TiP showed the fastest reduction kinetics for 4-NP.