Electrospun Foamlike NiO/CuO Nanocomposites with Superior Catalytic Activity toward the Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol

Foamlike NiO/CuO nanocomposites were prepared using a simple electrospinning technique combined with appropriate calcination. By tuning the Ni/Cu molar ratio (1:2, 1:1, and 2:1) in the initial material, different NiO/CuO nanocomposites were obtained. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms were used to characterize the composites. Furthermore, they were investigated as catalysts for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in the presence of NaBH4. The test results demonstrate that the nanocomposite with Ni/Cu = 1:1 presents the best catalytic activity for its high content of surface oxygen vacancy and specific surface area.