Vice to virtue: intracellular biogenic nanoparticles for the generation of carbon supported catalysts

TitleVice to virtue: intracellular biogenic nanoparticles for the generation of carbon supported catalysts
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsVijayakumar, PS, Selvakumar, S, Gholap, RS, Singh, AP, Prasad, BLV
JournalJournal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Volume10
Issue2
Pagination905-911
Date PublishedFEB
ISSN1533-4880
KeywordsBenzaldehyde Selectivity, Biosynthesis, Carbon Supported Titania, Nanoparticles, Styrene Oxidation
Abstract

Intracellular biogenic nanoparticles are considered disadvantageous as the separation of the nanoparticles from the biomass becomes intricate. However realizing the importance of carbon supported catalyst for many important organic reactions we envisaged these nanoparticles as a source for carbon supported catalyst. Herein we demonstrate the heat treatment of intracellular biogenic nanoparticles under inert atmosphere as an efficient method for the preparation of carbon supported metal oxide catalysts. Aspergillus ochraceus, a fungus isolated from foundries, on incubation with K(2)TiF(6) led to the synthesis of intracellular titanium oxide nanoparticles. The nanoparticles embedded biomass upon heat treatment at 600 degrees C in a nitrogen environment gave titanium oxide nanoparticles implanted in a carbonaceous matrix. The material thus formed was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, HRTEM and X-ray diffraction. Appreciable benzaldehyde selectivity was observed when styrene oxidation was carried out over such immobilized catalysts. The conversion rate was determined to be 76% and the benzaldehyde selectivity was greater than 80%.

DOI10.1166/jnn.2010.1894
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)1.351
Divison category: 
Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry
Center for Material Characterization (CMC)
Physical and Materials Chemistry