Work

Catalytic Application of Benedict Reaction Waste in Laboratory Wastewater Treatment and Recycling: A Circular Chemical Economy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, cuprous oxide was isolated from the Benedict reaction waste and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic techniques. The isolated material was used as a catalyst for the reductive decomposition of methyl orange using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. In situ formed copper from cuprous oxide catalyzed the dye decomposition reaction and its catalytic performance was compared with commercial copper powder. The catalyst was recycled and reused up to five catalytic cycles without losing its catalytic activity. The same material was also used as a catalyst for treating laboratory wastewater contaminated with methyl orange to promote a circular economy and sustainable waste management in academia. The unused Cu2O was further converted to Benedict’s reagent to increase the net life cycle of copper.

Source: Asian Journal of Chemistry

DOI: 10.14233/ajchem.2025.33424

Authors: Randhir Rai, Rangineni Vennela, Mohith Thalari Adarath, Bhuvanesh Kumar Himachalam

Institution: Krea University

Language: English

Topic: Nanomaterials for catalytic reactions

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Indian Institute of Technology Madras