In-situ preparation and properties of copper nanoparticles/poly(ionic liquid) composites by click chemistry within surfactant-free ionic liquid microemulsions

Abstract Herein, we present for the first time the facile synthesis of copper nanoparticles/poly(ionic liquid) (Cu-NPs/poly-IL) composites through the in situ click method within surfactant-free ionic liquid microemulsions. The resultant Cu-NPs/poly-IL composites were further utilized for physical adsorption and chemical catalytic reduction of methyl orange (MO) and dispersed red (DR) in water. FTIR, NMR, XRD, TGA, DSC, SEM, and UV–vis methods were used to investigate the structure and characteristics of the designed Cu-NPs/poly-IL composites. Results showed that Cu-NPs were successfully and stably introduced on poly-ILs without oxidation and that resultant composites presented enhanced thermostability and adsorption capacity for the DR. Detailed kinetic studies and thermodynamic analysis of the adsorption process were carried out. Furthermore, the catalytic reduction performance of Cu-NPs/poly-IL composites for MO and DR was investigated, and results indicated that the designed composites had certain catalytic reduction effects. Therefore, the easily synthesized Cu-NPs/poly-IL composites show remarkable potentials for wastewater treatment and purification.