Nano-sized TiO2 photocatalytic water-splitting technology has great potential for low-cost, environmental friendly solarhydrogen production to support the future hydrogen economy. One of the main drawbacks of using TiO2 as a photocatalyst is its band gap of around 3.2 eV for the anatase phase in the near-UV range of the electromagnetic spectrum that uses only small fraction of the solar spectrum. In this study, we have developed an eco-friendly process to synthesize copper doped TiO2 nanoparticles in greener and rapid way that decreases the band gap up to ~2.17-2.50 eV and shifts the absorption to readily available visible range of solar spectrum. Current work is devoted towards the synthesis of copper doped TiO2 nanoparticles in anatase phase in a reliable way by using fruit peel extract of Annona squamosa which is otherwise an agricultural waste by microwave assisted method as a source of energy. This method reduces time, saves chemicals and energy. Doping of copper (Cu) metal efficiently lessens the band gap of TiO2 for the photo-excitation (red shift) and simultaneously reduces the recombination rate of photo generated electron-hole pairs. Characterization studies of green synthesized Cu-doped nano-sized TiO2 particles show significant enhancement in photocatalytic activity that can be potentially applied for hydrogen production than that of pure ones. Use of plant extract and microwave method together makes the synthesis protocol reliable, green and rapid.
Background: There has been an increasing curiosity over the past few years to carry out organic reactions over heterogeneous nanocatalysts. Microwave activation coupled with a nanocatalyst along with water as a reaction medium makes the process further green. Microwave activation as a green process reduces reaction times, enhances product purity and improves chemical yield. Methods: Nitrile group chemistry has been explored by many researchers across the globe owing to its interesting properties and its importance in synthetic chemistry. Despite several methods being available for the synthesis of nitriles, microwave assisted synthesis of nitriles using Fe3O4 nanoparticles appears more promising. The present study is intended at developing a recyclable magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles catalyzed protocol towards the synthesis of organonitrile derivatives using one pot reaction. Results: The above protocol incorporates the use of microwave for heating and water as reaction medium. Several substituted nitriles could be synthesized for excellent yields. The magnetite nanoparticles can be reused for new reaction without significant loss in activity. Conclusion: The experiment makes the protocol simple, environment friendly and economically feasible.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.