Development of CuFe2O4-carbon dot nanocomposite and their application towards photocatalytic cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction

Abstract

Towards the development of new synthetic methodologies in order to approach greener and sustainable system it is crucial to develop a system which is clean, safe and low cost. Photocatalysis is a key solution from green chemistry point of view. To synthesize biologically important molecule using biocompatible nanoparticle as a catalyst by visible light irradiation is a key way out towards green and sustainable chemistry. Herein we demonstrate greener approach to synthesize biologically important molecule through coupling reaction by using copper doped magnetic iron oxide-carbon dot nanocomposite as a photocatalyst. Fluorescent carbon dots, the novel class of carbonaceous nanomaterials were used as a stabilizing agent for the copper doped iron oxide nanoparticles. Doping of copper enhances photocatalytic activity of iron oxide-Carbon dot. The formation of copper iron oxide-carbon dots were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Copper doped iron oxide carbon dot nanocomposite showed excellent photocatalytic activity towards the C-C coupling reaction between N-aryl isoquinoline and nitroalkanes with great yield. Recyclability test revealed easy recovery from reaction mixture and reusable upto several times.