Copper-based nanocatalysts produced via laser-induced ex situ generation for homo- and cross-coupling reactions

•We proposed laser-induced synthesis of Raney-like copper-based nanocatalysts.•Their catalytic activity towards homo- and cross-coupling reactions was studied.•Growth of such copper-based particles can be controlled by adding phenanthroline.•It is possible to manage the course of the catalytic reaction by changing their size.