Two transition complexes based on 1H-benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylic acid: Synthesis, structure and photocatalytic degradation of dyes

Metal-organic frameworks [Co(Hbidc)(H2O)2] (1) and [Mn(Hbidc)(H2O)] (2), with multidentate 1H-benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylic acid (H3bidc) ligand, have been synthesized under hydro/solvothermal conditions and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectrum, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the center Co atom of complex 1 is six-coordinated with three-dimensional supramolecular structure and center Mn of complex 2 is five-coordinated with exhibiting a 2D layered network. The photodegradation of Crystal violet dye and Methylene blue dye were studied firstly by complexes 1 and 2 as photocatalysts. Research result indicates that the degradation rate for complex 1 can reach 89.85% , 90.6% and that for complex 2 can reach 88.28% , 79.48% . At the same time, corresponding to photocatalytic kinetics was performed.

A reusable catalyst based on CuO hexapods and a CuO-Ag composite for the highly efficient reduction of nitrophenols

The enormous and urgent need to explore cost-effective catalysts with high efficiency has always been at the forefront of environmental protection and remediation research. This work develops a novel strategy for the fabrication of reusable CuO-based non-noble metal nanomaterials as high-efficiency catalysts. We report a facile and eco-friendly synthesis of CuO hexapods and CuO–Ag composite using uric acid as a reductant and protectant. Both exhibited high catalytic activity in the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) by sodium borohydride (NaBH₄), with the CuO–Ag composite showing superior catalytic performance. Notably, the highest turnover frequency of CuO–Ag reached 7.97 × 10⁻² s⁻¹, which was much higher than numerous noble-metal nanomaterials. In addition, CuO hexapods and CuO–Ag composite were also shown to act as highly efficient and recyclable catalysts in the degeneration of 4-NP. Both CuO hexapods and the CuO–Ag composite exhibited outstanding catalytic durability, with no significant loss of activity over more than 10 cycles in the hydrogenation of 4-NP.

Schematic illustration for the process of preparing CuO hexapods and CuO–Ag composite, and their application in catalytically reducing 4-NP and K₃(Fe(CN)₆).

Facile fabrication of bimetallic Cu–Ag binary hybrid nanoparticles and their application in catalysis

Herein, high efficiency and recyclable Cu–Ag hybrid catalyst (Trp–Cu–Ag) NPs were prepared by the hydrothermal method using l-tryptophan as a reducing agent and protecting reagent.

Fabrication of Thermoresponsive Polymer-Functionalized Cellulose Sponges: Flexible Porous Materials for Stimuli-Responsive Catalytic Systems

In this present work, a thermoresponsive and recyclable catalytic system was prepared by grafting poly( N-isopropylacrylamide)- co-poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PNIPAM- co-PGM) to a cellulose sponge, which was reinforced by polydopamine (PDA) and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTMS). Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) were loaded via in situ reduction of HAuCl₄ with PDA. Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis results revealed that the Au NPs (<10 nm) were homogenously dispersed on the surface of the sponge. Catalytic experiments with sponges prepared without PNIPAM- co-PGM demonstrated an increased reaction rate when the temperature of the reaction medium was elevated. However, in the presence of PNIPAM-i co-PGM in the sponges, the reaction rate was decreased when the reaction temperature was higher than the lower critical solution temperature of the polymer. The sponge could be conveniently separated from the reactions and reused up to 22 cycles.

Facile synthesis of mesoporous carbon nitride and titanium dioxide nanocomposites with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity

C₃N₄–TiO₂ nanocomposites with a large surface area and strong visible light response were fabricated via a rapid solution combustion method.