Visible light induced photocatalytic activity of carbon nanodots for important organic transformations

Abstract

Photochemistry and photocatalysts for the development of green and sustainable pathways have attracted intellectual implementation and resources for applications in diverse areas such as organic conversions, environmental remediation, oxidation or reduction of small molecules (CO2, N2, H2O etc.) and energy applications. However, having a clear mechanistic understanding in the photocatalytic processes are often complex and the mechanism vary between various types of catalysts involved. In this thesis, we have explored the intrinsic photocatalytic activity of carbonaceous nanomaterials namely carbon dots for various important organic transformations such as C-H oxidation, C-C coupling reactions under visible light irradiation. Oxidation of C-H and N-H bonds followed by synthesis of heterocyclic compounds have also been investigated through photocatalytic decomposition of oxidant tert-butylhydroperoxide. Further, composite of carbon dots with iron oxide nanoparticle have been explored for cross-dehydrogenative coupling reactions. The catalysts are highly compatible with wide range of substrates. A detailed mechanistic investigation is carried out to understand the role of photocatalysts in catalytic reactions.