Z-scheme g-C₃N₄/Fe₂O₃ for efficient photo-oxidation of benzylamine under mild conditions

Abstract

As an important intermediate, imine is widely used in industrial chemistry. The photocatalytic oxidation of amines to form imines is a green and economical method. But it remains a challenge for the efficient transformation under mild conditions. Herein, a Z-scheme carbon nitride (CM)-Fe2O3 heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized by in-situ preparation of Fe2O3 nanoparticles on two-dimensional CM nanosheets. The as-prepared catalyst exhibited efficient photocatalysis activity in selective oxidation of benzylamine to N-benzylidene benzylamine. Under ambient air and room temperature, the selectivity and conversion rate both can reach 99.9%, and the corresponding turnover frequency value reaches up to 9.99 mmol g−1 h−1, superior to the most of heterogeneous photocatalysts reported in previous literatures. The excellent catalytic activity of the modified CM material may be due to the enhanced absorption of visible light and the improved photogenerated carrier separation and migration rate, and the Z-scheme mechanism also retains the strong oxidation and reduction ability of the composite material. This work will provide a promising and practical method to promote the photocatalytic conversion of solar-driven organics.

Enriched photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical activities of a 2D/0D g-C3N4/CeO2 nanostructure

“…As a result, photocatalytic reduction has emerged as a simple and efficient way to remove these pollutants, using abundant sunlight as an energy source. 4 Therefore, using solar light energy for photocatalytic water treatment is crucial for practical, large-scale applications. Currently, a wide range of photocatalysts, including metal oxide-based, 5,6 metal sulfide-based, 7,8 and carbon-based photocatalysts, 9 are utilized for the removal of dyes in various applications.…”

Selective photo-oxidative coupling of amines to form C–N bonds using post synthetic modification of MIL-68-NH2 with metal acetylacetonate

“…3 The Z -scheme carbon nitride (CM)–Fe 2 O 3 heterojunction photocatalyst as-prepared displayed remarkable photocatalysis activity in the selective oxidation of benzylamine to N -benzylidene benzylamine, with selectivity and conversion rates both reaching 99.9% in ambient air at room temperature. 4 Perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PDI) molecules have been attached to the surface of mesoporous carbon nitride (mpgCN). The obtained PDI/mpgCN heterostructure displayed significant improvements in the amine photo-oxidation rate.…”