Copper loaded HPfCNT/TiO2 ternary nanohybrids as green and robust catalysts for dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol under visible light. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Joseph, Honey Mary; Sugunan, S.
• Is Part Of: Materials science in semiconductor processing. Volume 129(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: TM -- Transition metal. titania -- HPfCNT -- Hydrogen peroxide functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes -- Hydrothermal method -- Ternary nanohybrid -- Synergistic effects -- Photocatalysis -- Cyclohexanol -- Cyclohexanone; Semiconductors -- Periodicals; Integrated circuits -- Materials -- Periodicals; Semiconducteurs -- Périodiques; Circuits intégrés -- Matériaux -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 621.38152
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mssp.2021.105784
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-8001

Abstract

Abstract: Copper doped HPfCNT/TiO2 ternary photocatalysts were fabricated via a low cost, facile, sol-gel cum hydrothermal method at low temperature. Herein, we report energy efficient synthesis of cyclohexanone with high selectivity, through the photocatalytic dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol employing the green and robust ternary nanohybrid photocatalyst. The MWCNTs were functionalized employing the mild and green oxidant H2 O2 (HPfCNT). The characterization by XPS spectra showed that Cu existed as +1 oxidation state. The monovalent copper species (as Cu2 O) accounted for the greater conversion and better selectivity in the copper doped ternary hybrid system. The synergistic effects of copper and HPfCNTs with TiO2 imparted better visible light harvesting properties for the efficient photocatalytic dehydrogenation. It was evidenced from the activity studies and characterization employing UV–Vis DRS, PL spectra, XPS, BET analysis and elemental mapping. Highlights: The green and robust Cu/HPfCNT/TiO2 ternary nanohybrid photocatalysts were fabricated via a low cost, facile, sol-gel cum hydrothermal method at low temperature. The work presents energy efficient synthesis of cyclohexanone with high selectivity, through the photocatalytic dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol. The hydrogen peroxide functionalized HPfCNTs served as photocatalytic promoters in the copper doped TiO2 system and provide excellent selectivity and enhanced conversion towards cyclohexanone. The characterization by XPS spectra showed that Cu existed in +1 oxidation state (Cu2 O). The higher range of charge separation, improved surface characteristics and specific adsorption properties of HPfCNTs together with the appropriate oxidation state and electronic properties of Cu2 O in the hybrid accounted for the superior activity of ternary photocatalyst.