Work

Strongly active and environmentally friendly WO3/C3N4 photocatalysts for converting cyclohexane to cyclohexanone under ambient conditions

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: C–H bond activation under mild conditions remains a great challenge in the chemical industry, while catalytic cyclohexane oxidation is inefficient and often requires organic solvents and strong oxidants. This study constructed a C 3 N 4 /WO 3 Z-type heterojunction catalyst to efficiently convert cyclohexane into cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol (KA oil) through aqueous phase oxidation by O 2 under visible light irradiation. With strong redox performance and high photogenerated carrier separation ability, the proposed composite catalyst can produce the key active species for cyclohexane oxidation in the H 2 O–O 2 system. The reaction mechanism was clarified through experiment and DFT theory calculation. Cyclohexane was converted into cyclohexyl radical under the action of ·OH, and ·O 2 − converted most products into cyclohexanone. The catalyst can be recycled under optimized process conditions while reaching a KA oil yield of 139.73 μmol g −1 h −1 and a selectivity of 93.1%.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68319-5

Authors: Chengyu Fu, Jiehao Du, Na Shi, Limeng Yang, Qiuling Che, Pengfei Zhang

Institution: Xi'an Polytechnic University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,590