Nano-Magnetic NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> and Its Photocatalytic Oxidation of Vanillyl Alcohol—Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in the Valorization of Lignin

Here, we report on a phyto-mediated bimetallic (NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>) preparation using a <i>Boswellia carterii</i> extract, which was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, TGA, electron microscopy, magnetic spectroscopy, and Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements. T...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Afnan Al-Hunaiti, Asma Ghazzy, Nuha Sweidan, Qassem Mohaidat, Ibrahim Bsoul, Sami Mahmood, Tareq Hussein
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-04-01
Series:Nanomaterials
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/11/4/1010
Description
Summary:Here, we report on a phyto-mediated bimetallic (NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>) preparation using a <i>Boswellia carterii</i> extract, which was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, TGA, electron microscopy, magnetic spectroscopy, and Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements. The prepared nano-catalysts were tested for oxidation of lignin monomer molecules—vanillyl alcohol and cinnamyl alcohol. In comparison with previously reported methods, the nano NiFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> catalysts showed high photocatalytic activity and selectivity, under visible light irradiation with a nitroxy radical initiator (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy or 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl; TEMPO) at room temperature and aerobic conditions. The multifold advantages of the catalyst both in terms of reduced catalyst loading and ambient temperature conditions were manifested by higher conversion of the starting material.
ISSN:2079-4991