Abstract
The selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols to aldehyde in an energy-efficient and environmentally benign route remains a challenge. In this study, cubical Ag3PO4-guar gum nanocomposite was synthesised by a simple ultrasound assisted co-precipitation method. The crystalline structure, optical absorption, composition and microstructure of nanocomposites were characterised by X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The surface modification of Ag3PO4-guar gum nanocomposite dramatically enhanced the photocatalytic oxidation activity. The results from characterisation indicated the compact structure, feasibility to control the size of nanocomposite as well as exhibited higher photocatalytic activity and stability towards oxidation of cinnamyl alcohol to cinnamaldehyde. The oxidation efficiency as high as 95% was obtained. Further analysis had revealed that the holes and O2•− species have contributed to photocatalytic oxidation. The regeneration study of the catalyst displays that it could be reused with minimal loss in activity.
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