Local structural and chemical characterization of self-healing copper nanoparticles as catalyst for pharmaceutical and and energy applicatio

SION-X (Cu2[(BO)(OH)2](OH)3), in the form of copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NP), is a very promising self-healing and sustainable catalyst for hydrolysis and hydrogenation reactions of widespread industrial applications (production of polymers, dyes, pharmaceuticals, or H2 for energy applications). However essential properties, as the structure, coordination, and oxidation state of Cu in the NP remain uncharacterized. We therefore propose to investigate the oxidation state and local structural environment of Cu in the as such SION-X, and after two important catalytic reactions, by means of X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) at the Cu K-edge.