Leaf-like CuO nanosheets on rGO as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for C-C homocoupling of terminal alkynes

In this work, the economic and well-defined leaf-like CuO nanosheets on rGO (CuO nanosheets/rGO) was synthesized by a convenient hydrothermal method. The morphology and chemical composition of CuO nanosheets/rGO were confirmed by XRD, SEM-EDS, TEM, HR-TEM, and XPS techniques. The CuO nanosheets/rGO was successfully applied as a high-performance heterogeneous catalyst in the homocoupling of 12 terminal alkynes, and the isolated yield of each product was more than 80%, except for propargyl alcohol. This catalyst could be reused five times with little activity loss. Thus, it is beneficial for green and sustainable development of organic synthetic chemistry.