New Delhi: A new copper-based catalyst with a star-like nano structure has been developed by scientists through the controlled growth of copper oxide nanostructures on a sporopollenin template. This development offers a pathway to more sustainable industrial chemical reactions, with the potential to lower costs and reduce environmental impact across sectors, including pharmaceuticals and materials science.

To fulfil the need for replacing harmful processes with environmentally friendly methods, scientists are working towards materials that address the growing need for green solutions in catalysis, which can minimise environmental impact in industrial chemical processes.

The method of controlled growth of copper oxide nanostructures on a sporopollenin template, used by scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), created a "morning star" structure. Bowl-shaped features of the sporopollenin and polyethyleneimine (PEI) activation facilitate the synthesis of these unique nano-star forms. This setup is optimised to perform catalysis sustainably under "green" conditions.

Sporopollenin, which has a bowl-like outer structure, acts as a scaffold, enabling the growth of copper oxide rods that form a nanostar shape. The surface of sporopollenin is functionalised with PEI, which provides amine groups crucial for the nucleation and growth of the copper oxide nanostructures. The catalyst thus formed is useful in organic reactions and can be used in environmental remediation, nanoscale electronics, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). It has excellent efficiency in water without additives, surpassing conventional catalysts, which often require high temperatures, additives, or harsh solvents, and is reusable across five cycles.

By utilising spores, an abundant biomass waste, as a foundation for high-value catalysts, this innovation, published in Nanoscale 2024, exemplifies the transformation of waste into wealth, addressing a critical need. Its eco-friendly synthesis aligns seamlessly with sustainable development goals, directly tackling environmental concerns tied to conventional catalytic processes.

BI Bureau