Hi everyone,
Currently I am studying about Au Nano-particle photocatalytic capabilities by testing it out in 4-nitrophenol model reaction. In testing the kinetic of this model reaction I illuminated my reaction system with Solar simulator with no filter (which means all lights spectrum were shone). I found that even with a gold addition (in membrane) towards the reaction system the reaction of 4 nitrophenol reduction did not proceed as hoped (You can see in the picture of UV-Vis Spectroscopy analysis that there is no reduction of absorbance on 4-nitrophenol at all). Is anyone having an idea to explain these odd phenomena? Any insights would highly appreciated
Dear Farris, you could investigate some experimental parameters, such as the molar ratio between 4-nitrophenol/NaBH4, the amount of photocatalyst, the pH of the 4-nitrophenol solution, and the incidence position of the light. Moreover, experimental issues can impair the catalysis reaction. You can investigate them. Overall, these issues include the reactor material and design (they can change the light absorption efficiency); the coagulation and coalescence of the Au nanoparticles (which deactivates the photocatalyst); the interference of some capping agent used to stabilize the nanoparticles; if the reaction is kept under stirring or not, and so on. This study could be helpful Article Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants me...
Regards.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213343720300877
The reduction of4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol is an easy reaction and we have done it with Ag NPs without the need for light. It is rather odd that you didn't get a reaction. The only thing I can think of is that you might have some gold salt which forms complex with nitrophenol.The pH might be another problem.
I think there is some problem with the activity of the photocatalyst. Try some alternative catalyst synthesis methodology...
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Membranes