Ethanol-assisted in situ stimulated graphene oxide as support for CuO/NiO nanoparticles†

Herein we report the first successful synthesis of ethanol-assisted in situ generated reduced graphene oxide as a support for CuO/NiO nanoparticles. Through the strategic incorporation of Cu and Ni precursors into ethanol, followed by thermal treatment, we achieved the fabrication of reduced graphene oxide-supported CuO/NiO nanoparticles. The material underwent thorough characterization using FT-IR, XRD, TEM, XPS, Raman, and UV-DRS analysis. This method promises a breakthrough approach unveiling an unparalleled potential leading to paradigm shifts in graphene oxide synthesis. A theoretical study has also been performed in support of GO formation from ethanol. The synthesized CuO/NiO nanoparticles over reduced graphene oxide were found to be effective for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol within 5 min.