Cobalt porphyrin supported on N and P co-doped graphene quantum dots/graphene as an efficient photocatalyst for aerobic oxidation of alcohols under visible-light irradiation

Abstract

The research and development of the new heterogeneous photocatalysts for selective organic transformations under visible-light irradiation and environmentally friendly conditions is still considered as one of the hot topics in the fine chemical industry. Here, we report the synthesis of cobalt porphyrin-supported nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped graphene quantum dots/graphene (CoPP@N, P: GQD/G) and their impressive performance as efficient, recyclable, and noble metal free heterogeneous photocatalysts in the aerobic oxidation reaction of alcohols under visible-light irradiation. In terms of catalytic activity, these catalysts afford much higher conversion (ca. 92%) and selectivity (ca. 86%) than most reported photocatalysts under the same reaction conditions. This work notes the considerable potential of CoPP@N, P: GQD/G photocatalysts in the aerobic oxidation reaction owning to high activity and selectivity, short reaction time, reusability and easy separation under ambient and green conditions.