Scientists at the Tokyo Institute of Technology have shown that copper oxide particles on the sub-nanoscale are more powerful catalysts than those on the nanoscale. These sub-nanoparticles can also catalyze the oxidation reactions of aromatic hydrocarbons far more effectively than catalysts currently used in industry. This study paves the way for better and more efficient utilization of aromatic hydrocarbons, which are important materials for both research and industry. The selective oxidation of hydrocarbons is important in many chemical reactions and industrial processes; as such, scientists have been looking for more efficient ways to carry out this oxidation. Copper oxide (CunOx) nanoparticles have been found useful as a catalyst for processing aromatic hydrocarbons, but the quest for even more effective compounds has continued. Recently, scientists applied noble metal-based catalysts comprising particles at the sub-nano level. At this level, particles measure less than a nanometer, and when placed on appropriate substrates, they can offer even higher surface areas than nanoparticle catalysts to promote reactivity. In this trend, scientists, including Prof. Kimihisa Yamamoto and Dr. Makoto Tanabe from the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech), investigated chemical reactions catalyzed by CunOx sub nanoparticles (SNPs) to evaluate their performance in the oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons. CunOx SNPs of three specific sizes (with 12, 28, and 60 copper atoms) were produced within tree-like frameworks called dendrimers. Supported on a zirconia substrate, they were applied to the aerobic oxidation of an organic compound with an aromatic benzene ring. If you are looking for high quality, high purity, and cost-effective Copper oxide, or if you require the latest price, please email contact mis-asia.