Copper Application and Copper Nanoparticles in Chemistry

Abstract

Copper metal is a natural element found in soil, water, and rocks. This metal is one of those functional metals that have significantly improved the quality of human life. In the agricultural industry, copper plays an essential role as a primary nutrient required for the optimal growth of living tissues in plants and other organisms. Additionally, it is used to control fungal diseases; copper sulfate, one of the most widely used derivatives of copper metal, is employed for this purpose. Hence, the use of copper in agriculture is crucial. Another advanced and innovative application of copper is in chemical processes within the petrochemical industry as a catalyst. Copper catalysts exhibit a more favorable hydrogenation activity compared to nickel catalysts. The copper catalyst is designed in three forms: extruded and tablet forms for fixed-bed reactions and powder for liquid-bed reactions.