Two-Dimensional Bi₂WO₆ Nanosheets as a Robust Catalyst toward Photocyclization

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Catalysis
• Organic Synthesis

Background:

• Bi2WO6 (bismuth tungstate) is a promising photocatalyst.
• Developing efficient photocatalysts for organic synthesis is crucial.
• Sustainable synthesis methods are increasingly important.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize CTAB-assisted Bi2WO6 (CBTH) photocatalyst.
• To evaluate the photocatalytic activity of CBTH for benzazole synthesis.
• To investigate the stability and recyclability of the CBTH photocatalyst.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of CBTH using cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB).
• Characterization using XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, NH3-TPD, Py-IR, Raman, and XPS.
• Photochemical synthesis of benzazoles using a tungsten lamp and CBTH catalyst.
• Evaluation of catalytic activity, yield, and recyclability over five cycles.

Main Results:

• CBTH exhibited a unique rose bud morphology with thin nanosheets and orthorhombic structure.
• The material displayed significant surface acidity with Brønsted acid sites.
• Photocatalytic synthesis of benzazoles yielded improved results with reduced reaction times.
• The CBTH catalyst demonstrated excellent photostability and recyclability up to five cycles.

Conclusions:

• CTAB-assisted Bi2WO6 is a highly effective and robust photocatalyst for sustainable benzazole synthesis.
• The enhanced acidity and structural properties contribute to its superior catalytic performance.
• CBTH offers a promising alternative to existing photocatalysts for heterocyclic synthesis.