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Title: High efficient photocatalytic selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde by solvothermal-synthesized ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} microspheres under visible light irradiation

Journal Article · · Journal of Solid State Chemistry
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  1. State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Photocatalysis, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002 (China)

Hexagonal ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} samples have been synthesized by a solvothermal method. Their properties have been determined by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet–visible-light diffuse reflectance spectra, field emission scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption and X-ray photoelectron spectra. These results demonstrate that ethanol solvent has significant influence on the morphology, optical and electronic nature for such marigold-like ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} microspheres. The visible light photocatalytic activities of the ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} have been evaluated by selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde using molecular oxygen as oxidant. The results show that 100% conversion along with >99% selectivity are reached over ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} prepared in ethanol solvent under visible light irradiation (λ>420 nm) of 2 h, but only 58% conversion and 57% yield are reached over ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} prepared in aqueous solvent. A possible mechanism of the high photocatalytic activity for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol over ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} is proposed and discussed. - Graphical abstract: Marigold-like ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} microspheres were synthesized by a solvothermal method. The high visible photocatalytic activities of ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} were evaluated by selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde under mild conditions. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Marigold-like ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} microspheres were synthesized by a solvothermal method. • The solvents have a remarkably influence on the morphology and properties of samples. • It is the first time to apply ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol. • ZnIn{sub 2}S{sub 4} shows high photocatalytic activity for selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol.

OSTI ID:
22274081
Journal Information:
Journal of Solid State Chemistry, Vol. 205; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0022-4596
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English