Excellent Catalytic Performance of Co3O4/CuO Nanocomposite for Catalytic Reduction of Nitroaromatic Compounds and Dyes Pollutants

The paper investigates the catalytic reduction of nitroaromatic compounds (4-nitroaniline (4-NA) and 2-nitroaniline (2-NA)) by Co3O4/CuO nanocomposite. Also, the degradative property of nanocomposite was assessed using both anionic (methyl orange (MO)) and cationic (safranin O (SO)) dyes pollutants and simulated by the linear isotherm models and kinetic equations. Nano metal oxides CuO and Co3O4, as well as its nanocomposite, were synthesized using a precipitation-calcination method. The crystalline pattern, morphological structure, functionality, surface chemistry, and elemental content were evaluated. The catalytic efficiency in the reduction of nitroanilines and dyes was evaluated by sodium borohydride (NaBH4). 100 % conversion of nitroanilines to their corresponding amines could be achieved in just 2 minutes for 4-nitroaniline and 10 minutes for 2-nitroaniline. The Co3O4/CuO nanocomposite shows 100 % and 76.6 % TOC for degradation of MO and SO. Additionally, the nanocomposite demonstrated stable performance over five consecutive reduction cycles for both dyes and NAs. Overall, the synthesized Co3O4/CuO nanocatalyst proves to be a cost-effective and high-performing candidate for remediation of pollutants in wastewater. Its easy recovery nature and efficient catalytic performance make it an excellent choice for environmental cleanup efforts.