Synthesis of cuprous oxide using sodium borohydride under microwave irradiation and catalytic effects

Cuprous oxide nanoparticles were synthesized under microwave irradiation for 15 min to use as a catalyst. The product was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The catalytic effect of cuprous oxide nanoparticles was investigated for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to produce 4-aminophenol in the presence of NaBH4. The above product was confirmed by UV–vis spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy.