NANOCATALYSIS
Overview
The topic of my research in Chemistry is Preparation of Heterogenous Catalysts and their applications in various Organic reactions. This is the broad area of my research. I have identified this field of interest on which I would be spending the next 2.5 to 3 years roughly. Nanotechnology is concerned with the exploration of new nano systems in the physical, chemical and the biological world. The fascination with the nanoscale materials arose from the acquisition of new traits at nano scale, and how the changes in size and shape attribute to change in properties. By replacing traditional bulk materials with equivalent nanoparticles (NPs), we can provide environmentally acceptable and cost-effective approaches for transforming basic materials into valuable chemicals and thereby enhance and use them as active and stable heterogeneous catalysts. Through all the literature survey which I have done, I have designed a 3-stepped process for the synthesis of my heterogeneous catalyst.
SUMMARY
Summary of the Research Topic
Bhuwaneshwari. C
Junior Research Fellow
Nanocatalysis & Drug molecules Laboratory
Centre for Nano and Material Sciences
JAIN (Deemed-to-be University)
Jakkasandra Post, Kanakpura Road
Bangalore-562 112.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sl. No. | Title |
1 | Abstract |
2 | Introduction |
3 | Method |
4 | Conclusion |
ABSTRACT OF THE RESEARCH TOPIC
Abstract
The topic of my research in Chemistry is Preparation of Heterogenous Catalysts and their applications in various Organic reactions. This is the broad area of my research. I have identified this field of interest on which I would be spending the next 2.5 to 3 years roughly.
Introduction:
Chemical reactions are a part and parcel of chemistry wherein we try to bring about transformations in the chemical structure and nature of various chemical substances. While trying to do so, we come across many challenges and unexpected delays in the reaction processes. So, we use catalysts to enhance the process productivity and ease the process.
Catalyst is a chemical substance which alters the rate of the chemical reaction without itself undergoing any change. There are two types of catalysts namely, homogeneous, and heterogeneous catalysts. They are distinguished based on the physical state of the reactants and the catalyst itself. When both the catalyst and the reactants are in the same phase / physical state, they are called as homogeneous catalysts and the process is known as homogeneous catalysis. When both the catalyst and the reactants are in different phase / physical state, they are called as heterogeneous catalysts and the process is known as heterogeneous catalysis. Though homo and heterogeneous catalysts have their own advantages and disadvantages, I am trying to synthesize a heterogeneous catalyst and upgrade its usability. Synthesizing new catalysts is always a hot topic of discussion and has a lot of scope for research in Chemistry. I am trying to center my research and attention on nanotechnology for the synthesis of the catalyst. Nanotechnology is concerned with the exploration of new nano systems in the physical, chemical and the biological world. The fascination with the nanoscale materials arose from the acquisition of new traits at nano scale, and how the changes in size and shape attribute to change in properties. By replacing traditional bulk materials with equivalent nanoparticles (NPs), we can provide environmentally acceptable and cost-effective approaches for transforming basic materials into valuable chemicals and thereby enhance and use them as active and stable heterogeneous catalysts. Through all the literature survey which I have done, I have designed a 3-stepped process for the synthesis of my heterogeneous catalyst.
METHOD - STEP 1
Method
Step 1:
To prepare a phytochemical extract which would be rich in flavonoids, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, phenols, tannins, and alkaloids. This extract would form the base for the catalyst. There are various substances which have been used to get the phytochemical extract like banana leaves, sapodilla fruit, coconut shells, Amaranthus and so on. Their literature details have been attached. I will have to think of some unique substance to get the phytochemical extract to increase the novelty of my work. The solvent / solvents in which the extract has to be put and their proportion in volume has to be decided. The duration of the reaction is also to be standardized and optimized. Once the extract is got, I have to check for the presence of various phytochemicals and also the various functional groups present in it by giving my sample extract to different spectroscopic studies.
METHOD - STEP 2
Step 2:
The preparation of some support to hold the metal catalyst on the surface of the extract and thereby prevent agglomeration of the heterogeneous catalyst is the next step. I have found through various literature survey that different types of substances can be prepared as the support like graphitic carbon, Boron carbon nitride etc. I am trying to zero down on any one of the supports used so far. I wish to make its synthesis easy and effective, in other words as a one pot synthesis.
METHOD - STEP 3
Step 3:
The next step would be the preparation of the heterogeneous catalyst using the extract and the support. Here I have to add a metal which will act as a catalyst. Innumerable work and papers have been produced in this regard. I have attached a few papers in this regard. Several factors have to be kept in mind regarding their synthesis as their applications play a very important role in deciding the novelty of my paper. I have many d-block transition metals to chose from. But I have some important pointers to concentrate on. I am working on heterogeneous catalysis with Green Chemistry as my basis. All my reactions should be environment friendly, catalyst recyclable and reusable for many cycles. So I have to decide on the metal very diligently because the future of my research, for my next 3 years will revolve around this metal.
One the catalyst has been prepared, I will have to give the sample for various spectroscopic studies and check for the usability of the catalyst. Spectroscopic studies give various details regarding the internal morphology, various functional groups present, thermal stability of the catalyst, mass of the sample and so on. On careful examination of all these, I can start working on the application part of my catalyst. There are various applications of the catalysts in Chemistry. I have to work on what reactions work best with my catalyst and also keep a check on the novelty of my work. Many chemical reactions like Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling reaction, Knoevenagel reaction, Kumada coupling reaction, aromatic aminations, dye degradation reactions, antimicrobial activity and even energy storage capability of the heterogeneous catalyst nanoparticles have to be studied. Once all these have been done, and hopefully it works well as per my plan and design of the research, I will be able to get a firm foot on this initial part of my research which I will have to take it further by working on its future scope and applicability to the society in the best possible way.
I wish to design my research further by using 2 or 3 metals as the base which is called as the LDH (layered Double Hydroxide). I plan to synthesize them which have much more diverse applications as electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction and also form high performance supercapacitors. These are the areas which haven’t yet been explored a lot in Heterogeneous catalysts – Green chemistry. I even wish to carry out a comparative study regarding the various combination of metals used as LDH and find which are the best combinations and why and under what conditions.
CONCLUSION
Conclusion
To conclude, I see a lot of scope and novelty in the work which I have designed. However, I am yet to do a lot more literature survey and keep updating my work and knowledge so that I reach the pinnacle of success in my research area on Heterogeneous catalyst nanoparticles and their applications.