A simple and cost-effective new synthesis method of copper molybdate CuMoO4 nanoparticles and their catalytic performance

Nanopowders of copper molybdate, α-CuMoO4, were prepared through calcination of an oxalate complex in static air at 550 °C. The oxalate complex was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. The as-prepared copper molybdate was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique. Its catalytic effectiveness was verified by the oxidation reaction of methylene blue (MB) with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and by the reduction reaction of para-, meta-, and ortho-nitrophenol. The prepared copper molybdate exhibited exceptionally high catalytic performance of the oxidation of methylene blue dye and of the reduction reaction of the three isomers of nitrophenol to the three corresponding aminophenol isomers. The evolution of the catalytic activity was controlled by utilizing UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. •Copper molybdate, CuMoO4, nanoparticles were prepared successfully via a new and simple process, without resorting to any solvent at relatively low temperature.•CuMoO4 nanocatalyst exhibits high efficiency for the reduction reaction of the three isomers of nitrophenol to the three corresponding aminophenol isomers.•The copper molybdate exhibits exceptionally high catalytic performance of the oxidation of methylene blue dye.