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This research deals with preparation, characterization and shape dependent performance of copper oxide nanomaterials (CuO NMs) in simple carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation catalysis. Uniform and high purity rice grains-like, needle-like and sheet-like CuO NMs were achieved by adopting different experimental conditions. The shape selective CuO NMs were physically mixed and re-pelletized with γ-Al2O3 thus 1 wt% CuO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst was prepared. The catalysts exhibited good surface area (186–190 m2 g−1), crystallinity, thermal stability and metal dispersion. The performance of various shape CuO/γ-Al2O3 catalysts in CO oxidation catalysis showed that needle-like CuO NMs performed superior against grains-like or sheet like CuO NMs in the temperature region between 200 and 225 °C. The 100% CO2 formation was achieved at 325 and 400 °C in the dry and wet conditions. Also, in every process temperature, differences in the catalytic activity due to catalyst's shape could be noted significantly. It was observed that the catalyst morphology played main role in achieving efficient catalytic process.

The physicochemical processes of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) such as in-situ formation of chemically active species and emission of ultraviolet (UV)/visible light were utilized for the treatment of a simulated wastewater formed with Acid Red 4 as the model organic contaminant. The chemically active species (mostly ozone) produced in the DBD reactor were well distributed in the wastewater using a porous gas diffuser, thereby increasing the gas-liquid contact area. For the purpose of making the best use of the light emission, a titanium oxide-based photocatalyst was incorporated in the wastewater treating system. The experimental parameters chosen were the voltage applied to the DBD reactor, the initial pH of the wastewater, and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide added to the wastewater. The results have clearly shown that the present system capable of degrading organic contaminants in two ways (photocatalysis and ozonation) may be a promising wastewater treatment technology.