One-Pot Cu/TiO₂ Nanoparticles Synthesis for Trans-Ferulic Acid Conversion into Vanillin

In this study, the co-synthesis of TiO₂ and Cu metallic nanoparticles obtained via one-pot cost-efficient hydrothermal process has been addressed. Different nanocatalysts with Cu contents were characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The TiO₂ and Cu metallic nanoparticles were synthesized with copper loading up to one (Cu/Ti atomic ratio). Synthesized catalysts exhibited pore sizes in the mesoporous range and high surface areas above 150 m²/g. The particle size for TiO₂ presented a homogeneous distribution of approximately 8 nm, moreover, Cu nanoparticles varied from 12 to >100 nm depending on the metal loading. The nanostructured materials were successfully tested in the conversion of trans-ferulic acid into vanillin under sustainable conditions, achieving the best performance for 0.3 Cu/Ti atomic ratio (70% vanillin yield).