New ZnO@Cardanol Porphyrin Composite Nanomaterials with Enhanced Photocatalytic Capability under Solar Light Irradiation

Abstract

This work describes the synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic activity of new composite nanomaterials based on ZnO nanostructures impregnated by lipophlilic porphyrins derived from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). The obtained nanomaterials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and steady-state photoluminescence spectra (PL). The results confirm nanostructures showing average diameter of 55 nm and an improved absorption in the visible region. Further, the FTIR analysis proved the existence of non-covalent interactions between the porphyrin molecules and ZnO. The photocatalytic activity of prepared photocatalysts was investigated by degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation and natural sunlight. It was demonstrated that the photocatalytic activity increases in the presence of the porphyrins and, also, depends on the irradiation source. The development of composite photocatalysts based on porphyrins derived from CNSL provides an alternative approach to eliminate efficiently toxic wastes from water under ambient conditions.

Light-Emitting Porphyrin Derivative Obtained from a Subproduct of the Cashew Nut Shell Liquid: A Promising Material for OLED Applications

“…Based on these considerations, and those in previous works from our group regarding the preparation of meso -porphyrins [18,21,23,24,25,26], we report the synthesis of cardanol-derivate porphyrins with respect to its application as an emitting layer in OLEDs. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the porphyrins are investigated in solution and in thin film, and we also investigate the use of these compounds as emitters in simple OLED devices through electroluminescence analysis.…”

“…The free-base meso -tetra[4-(2-(3- n -pentadecylphenoxy)ethoxy]phenyl porphyrin (H 2 P) from cardanol was prepared according to the procedure previously described in literature [18,23]. Despite the synthesis being already published, we highlight some relevant aspects here.…”

“…In this context, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) was used as a natural alternative to build up the porphyrin structure. CNSL is a renewable and abundant source of phenolic compounds, obtained as a subproduct of the cashew nut industry ( Anacardium occidentale L.) [16,17,18]. The industrial CNSL is mainly composed by cardanol (about 65%), which presents interesting chemical characteristics and allows diverse functionalization and applications [19,20,21,22].…”

Improved Photo-Ignition of Carbon Nanotubes/Ferrocene Using a Lipophilic Porphyrin under White Power LED Irradiation

“…Thanks to its processability, many environmentally friendly processes were based on this peculiar molecule based on cardanol [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ].…”

“…H 2 Pp can be characterized by spectroscopic analysis, with the absorption spectrum of the porphyrin considered in different conditions [ 40 ].…”