Abstract
Visible light illumination of nitrogen-doped TiO 2 brings about the selective oxidation of benzyl and cinnamyl alcohol to the corresponding aldehydes. The photocatalyst was prepared by a sol–gel method and characterised mainly by XRD, UV–vis diffuse reflectance and Raman spectroscopy. The conditions limiting the observation of visible light photoactivity are the use of dry nitriles as nonaqueous solvents and aromatic alcohols as the substrates. No visible light oxidation takes place in an aqueous medium. The efficiency of benzyl and cinnamyl alcohol photo-oxidation in nitrile solvents follows the order: CH 3CN > CH 3CH 2CN > CH 3(CH 2) 2CN. Conversely, since alcohol photo-oxidation occurs with 100% selectivity on electrodes in O 2 saturated solutions at potentials close to E fb or under open-circuit conditions, suspensions of the photocatalyst can be advantageously employed. The process involves a relatively weak adsorption of the alcohol substrates which, however, do not readily capture the photogenerated holes. On the basis of the electrochemical and photoluminescence data, it appears that the solvent (e.g. acetonitrile), in addition to O 2 has an active role in the reaction mechanism.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
