Synthesis and characterization of Cu–NiO nanomaterials for initial application in the degradation of plant protection chemicals in soil

Nguyen Dang Giang Chau * , Nguyen Thi Anh Tram , Huynh Thi Tuy Ngoc , Trinh Ngoc Bang Thanh , Nguyen Thi Cam Dieu , Duong Tuan Quang and Truong The Nhat Anh

* Corresponding author: (chaundg@hueuni.edu.vn)

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Received: Dec 10, 2025
Revised: Dec 25, 2025
Accepted: Dec 26, 2025
Published: Feb 20, 2026
Title: Synthesis and characterization of Cu–NiO nanomaterials for initial application in the degradation of plant protection chemicals in soil
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How to Cite
Châu, N. Đ. G., Trâm, N. T. A., Ngọc, H. T. T., Thanh, T. N. B., Diệu, N. T. C., Quang, D. T., & Anh, T. T. N. (2026). Synthesis and characterization of Cu–NiO nanomaterials for initial application in the degradation of plant protection chemicals in soil. Journal of Science and Education, 66(01), 244-250. Retrieved from https://tckhgd.dhsphue.edu.vn/index.php/jse/article/view/209
Issue
Vol. 66 No. 01 (2026): Journal of Science and Education
Section
Journal of Science and Education

Abstract

Nickel oxide (NiO) is a p-type semiconductor with numerous applications in catalysis, sensing, and environmental treatment. In this study, copper-modified NiO (Cu–NiO) was synthesized hydrothermally using Ni(NO₃)₂.6H₂O, Cu(NO₃)₂.3H₂O, and urea as precursors, followed by calcination at 500 °C. The structure and properties of the material were characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, EDS, and BET analyses. The results showed that the Cu–NiO material exhibited a face-centered cubic structure of NiO with a uniform distribution of copper, a porous spherical morphology composed of small nanoparticles, a large surface area, and a pore size distribution favorable for catalytic applications. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the characteristic Ni–O bonding and the presence of hydroxyl groups on the surface. The photocatalytic performance of the material was evaluated for pesticide degradation in soil using a QuEChERS-based sample preparation procedure combined with GC–MS analysis. Preliminary results indicate that Cu–NiO exhibits high degradation efficiency, suggesting its potential as a promising material for the treatment of pesticide-contaminated soil.
Keywords: Cu-NiO, Photocatlytic, Cypermethrin, Propiconazole, Soil decontamination

Tóm tắt

Niken oxit (NiO) là một chất bán dẫn loại p có nhiều ứng dụng trong xúc tác, cảm biến và xử lý môi trường. Trong nghiên cứu này, vật liệu NiO biến tính Copper (Cu–NiO) đã được tổng hợp bằng phương pháp thủy nhiệt, sử dụng tiền chất Ni(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O và Urea, sau đó nung ở 500 °C. Cấu trúc và đặc trưng vật liệu được khảo sát bằng XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, EDS. Kết quả cho thấy vật liệu Cu–NiO có cấu trúc lập phương tâm mặt của NiO với sự hiện diện đồng đều của nguyên tố Cu, hình thái cầu xốp được tạo thành từ các hạt nano kích thước nhỏ, thuận lợi cho quá trình xúc tác. Phổ FTIR xác nhận liên kết Ni–O đặc trưng và sự hiện diện của nhóm hydroxyl trên bề mặt. Vật liệu được thử nghiệm khả năng xúc tác quang phân hủy thuốc bảo vệ thực vật (HCBVTV) trong đất, thông qua quy trình xử lý mẫu theo QuEChERS kết hợp phân tích GC–MS. Kết quả bước đầu cho thấy Cu–NiO có hiệu quả phân hủy cao, hứa hẹn là vật liệu tiềm năng trong xử lý đất ô nhiễm HCBVTV.
Từ khóa: Cu-NiO, Xúc tác quang, Cypermethrin, Propiconazole, Xử lý đất

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