Scalable Synthesis of Dodecanethiol-Capped Bismuth Nanoparticles by a Solvent-Free Solid-State Grinding Method for Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol to 4-Aminophenol

Abstract

Thiol-capped metal nanoparticles have two constituents: an inorganic metal and an organic molecule as a shell. Both characters are inbuilt in the structure of the metal thiolate. Herein, we have investigated bismuth dodecanethiolate as a precursor for the synthesis of dodecanethiol-capped bismuth nanoparticles (Bi NPs) by a solid-state grinding method. By using sodium borohydride and bismuth dodecanethiolate, crystalline bismuth nanoparticles are synthesized in a solvent-free environment at room temperature (24 ± 4 °C). Bi NPs are tested for catalytic activity by reducing 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) with an excess of NaBH4. Dodecanethiol-capped bismuth nanoparticles exhibit an efficient reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP within 12 min. Additionally, these nanoparticles remain catalytically active for up to three cycles.

In situ synthesis of metal (Bi0)–semiconductor [BiOX (X = Cl, Br, and I)] nanocomposites as a highly effective catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol

“…Table S2 (ESI †) presents a comparative analysis of the activity factor for several catalysts that have been documented in prior studies. 2,[56][57][58][59] The results of this study indicate that the catalytic efficiency of BOI is comparable to that observed in earlier studies involving bismuth and other metal-based catalysts. In addition, the BOI nanoparticles were effectively utilized for five consecutive catalytic cycles.…”

“…Rapid economic growth has accelerated the process of urbanization and industrialization, which has resulted in an increase in the discharge of industrial effluents and sanitary sewage into freshwater streams. [1][2][3] As a result, the contamination of water, such as groundwater, surface water, and ocean water, has brought up significant challenges. 4 Additionally, this problem brought about a number of factors such as toxic and refractory organic and inorganic pollutants in which, one of the compounds, 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) is widely used in different industrial procedures, such as pharmaceutical and textile industries.…”