@article {48021, title = {Microwave-assisted selective N-alkylation of aniline over molybdenum supported catalyst}, journal = {Catalysis Communications}, volume = {168}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {106464}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Selective N-alkylation of aniline is a tough and challenging reaction due to over alkylation, therefore, catalyst with specific characteristics is needed to accomplish such transformations. In this work, a series of catalysts with molybdenum supported on alumina are prepared and subjected to various reaction conditions, out of which 30 PMA (Phosphomolybdic acid) showed the best result due to its proper combination of acidic sites. This reaction is sustainable and environmentally friendly as it is carried out with methanol as an alkylating source in the presence of microwave radiation at low temperature. The reaction data was compared with various other reactor systems too.

}, issn = {1566-7367}, doi = {10.1016/j.catcom.2022.106464}, author = {Bhatkar, Akash and Mane, Samruddhi and Mekala, Siva Prasad and Gogoi, Pranjal and Mohapatra, Gourab and Ramakrishnan, Archana and Marimuthu, Prabu and Thirumalaiswamy, Raja} } @article {49312, title = {An effective, facile, and rapid synthesis of nanosized Mn3O4 using a microwave route}, journal = {Journal of Nanoparticle Research}, volume = {26}, year = {2024}, month = {OCT}, pages = {239}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Microwave-assisted one-pot, one-step, calcination-free synthesis of nanosized Mn3O4 is reported using only benzylamine and manganese acetate. Benzylamine in this protocol plays a vital role for efficient microwave synthesis. This microwave method enables the synthesis of nanosized Mn3O4 in just few hours only in a single step eliminating the need of calcinations of any intermediate. The synthesized nanosized Mn3O4 was analyzed by XRD, HRTEM, EDAX, and Raman spectroscopy. The catalytic and electrochemical properties of as-synthesized Mn3O4 were investigated. In galvanostatic charge-discharge experiments, after 800 cycles, more than 89\% capacitance was retained for electrodes made by as synthesized Mn3O4 nanomaterials indicating its very good stability. In the catalytic conversion of cinnamyl alcohol to cinnamaldehyde via oxidation, using as prepared nanosized Mn3O4 as a catalyst, it displays effective catalytic properties. A probable mechanical study of its formation was also envisaged. This synthesis protocol is additive-free, occurs in a short time, is facile, is energy efficient, and eliminates the use of many chemicals. These silent features make these reported protocols economically viable and environmentally benign which adhere to the principles of Green Chemistry.

}, keywords = {Calcination free, Electrochemical and catalytic properties, Nanosized Mn3O4, Single-step synthesis}, issn = {1388-0764}, doi = {10.1007/s11051-024-06148-3}, author = {Yadav, Akash and Jha, Ratnesh and Bhatkar, Akash and Kamble, Aditi and Vaishnav, Vishal and Bogalera, Shivamurthy P. and Manikandan, Marimuthu and Nayaka, Girish Praveen and Umbarkar, Shubhangi and Raja, Thirumalaiswamy and Bhatte, Kushal D.} } @article {49771, title = {Coke management: unveiling the role of Ce substitution in Gd2Zr1.8Ni0.2O7-δ catalyst for dry reforming of methane}, journal = {Energy \& Fuels}, volume = {39}, year = {2025}, month = {NOV }, pages = {22356-22368}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

The redox characteristics of cerium have become crucial elements in the carbon gasification process during methane dry reforming. This work examines the effect of cerium substitution in the Gd2Zr1.8Ni0.2O7-delta catalyst during methane dry reforming, employing a range of Ce-substituted Gd2Zr1.8-x Ni0.2Ce x O7-delta (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.75) catalysts synthesized via the citrate gel method. The materials crystallized in a fluorite structure, as verified by X-ray diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy. Enhanced reducibility of the substituted catalysts was assessed through H2-temperature-programmed reduction analysis. CO2 and O2 desorption studies along with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy validated the enhanced basicity and generation of active oxygen and hydroxyl species. The enhanced activity and coke gasification in Gd2Zr1.6Ni0.2Ce0.2O7-delta catalyst are attributed to surface hydroxyl species, and prominent intermediate carbonate and bicarbonate species were further verified by in situ infrared spectroscopy. The high basicity of the Gd2Zr1.6Ni0.2Ce0.2O7-delta catalyst and high concentrations of oxygen vacancies (similar to 66.4\%) enhances CO2 adsorption and desorption, resulting in continuous CO2 activation, leading to less carbon formation and superior activity of the catalyst. The Gd2Zr1.6Ni0.2Ce0.2O7-delta catalyst exhibits the highest CH4 and CO2 conversion rates, at 85\% and 93.5\%, respectively, and remains stable for 100 h. Postreaction analysis of Gd2Zr1.6Ni0.2Ce0.2O7-delta confirms structure stability and less carbon formation compared to other substituted catalysts in dry reforming of methane. This study demonstrates that the moderate concentration of Ce in the Gd2Zr1.6Ni0.2Ce0.2O7-delta catalyst exhibits balanced activity and coke gasification capacity in the dry reforming of methane for a longer duration.

}, issn = {0887-0624}, doi = {10.1021/acs.energyfuels.5c04019}, author = {Ghodke, Seema R. and Mule, Harshada M. and Bhatkar, Akash and Devi, R. Nandini} } @article {49766, title = {Facile and eco-friendly synthesis of Mn2O3 nanoparticles via microwave-assisted glycerol-thermal method}, journal = {Journal of Chemical Sciences}, volume = {137}, year = {2025}, month = {NOV }, pages = {102}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Microwave-assisted efficient synthesis of nanosized manganese oxide (Mn2O3) is reported using glycerol and manganese acetate. Glycerol in this reported methodology acts as an efficient solvent for this nanomaterial synthesis under microwave radiation. This reported method enables the synthesis of nanosized Mn2O3 without further use of additives, stabilizers, and bases other than glycerol and manganese precursor. Glycerol is a renewable biomaterial derived nonvolatile and nontoxic, safe solvent. It has a high boiling point and dielectric constant, which makes it an ideal solvent for microwave synthesis. The synthesized nanosized Mn2O3 was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. We examined the catalytic properties of as-synthesized Mn2O3 for cinnamyl alcohol oxidation to cinnamaldehyde. In this oxidation activity experiment, nanosized Mn2O3 exhibits good conversion and selectivity towards the desired product. We also made an attempt to understand the probable mechanism of nanomaterial formation and found some conclusive evidence to support it. This research methodology is facile, energy efficient, and involves minimum chemicals for synthesis. It makes this reported methodology not only economically attractive but also environmentally friendly, which aligns well with green chemistry principles.

}, keywords = {Glycerol, green chemistry, Nanosized Mn2O3, nanostructured catalysis}, issn = {0974-3626}, doi = {10.1007/s12039-025-02429-z}, author = {Yadav, Akash and Jha, Ratnesh and Bhatkar, Akash and Gehlot, Bhavika and Kamble, Aditi and Manikandan, Marimuthu and Bhosale, Hritvik and Vaishnav, Vishal and Rathod, Rutik and Umbarkar, Shubhangi and Raja, Thirumalaiswamy and Bhatte, Kushal D.} } @article {49850, title = {An unique microwave-assisted approach for synthesis of nanosized Fe3O4 as a catalyst in transfer hydrogenation of furfural}, journal = {Research on Chemical Intermediates}, volume = {51}, year = {2025}, month = {NOV}, pages = {6257-6274}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

In this manuscript, we report an unique, one pot, one step synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The protocol for synthesis of nanosized Fe3O4 was developed using only Benzyl Amine and Fe(II)acetate precursor via microwave route. Microwave route enables the synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in short duration and eliminates the need of several chemicals. These salient features make the entire synthetic process environment benign as per green chemistry principles. The morphology and other properties of synthesized nanoparticles were studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and High-Resolution-Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM). As-synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibit efficient catalytic transfer hydrogenation of furfural using isopropanol as the solvent and hydrogen source, and provide furfuryl alcohol in good yield. This nanosized Fe3O4 was easily removable using magnet and exhibits good reusability. It is observed that acidic-basic sites of nanosized Fe3O4 play a vital role in catalytic transfer hydrogenation reaction.

}, keywords = {catalytic transfer hydrogenation, Furfural to furfuryl alcohol, green synthesis, Magnetically separable catalyst, Nanosize Fe3O4}, issn = {0922-6168}, doi = {10.1007/s11164-025-05734-x}, author = {Bhatkar, Akash and Yadav, Akash and Gehlot, Bhavika and Rathod, Rutik and Mane, Samruddhi and Gawande, Vaishnavi and Bhosale, Hrtivik and Raja, Thirumalaiswamy and Bhatte, Kushal D.} }