PolyVinyl alcohol and copper nickel co‐doped titania nanocomposite: Designing, characterization, optical properties, and catalytic application in the synthesis of aryl derivatives of benzothiazole and benzimidazole

Abstract

The paper examines the properties and potential applications of a nanocomposite material composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and copper nickel co‐doped titanium dioxide (Cu‐TiO2‐Ni). The material was synthesized using a simple precipitation process, and its properties were characterized using various analytical techniques, including powder X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high‐resolution tunnelling electron microscopy; Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area was investigated. The results showed that the addition of Cu‐TiO2‐Ni to PVA improved the material's Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV) absorption properties. Additionally, the PVA/Cu‐TiO2‐Ni nanocomposite material exhibited potential for use in a range of applications, including catalysis. Its utility in synthesizing aryl derivatives of benzothiazole and benzimidazoles, which are crucial intermediates in the fine chemical, agrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries and material science, was evaluated. It was found to offer several advantages, including a quick reaction time, simple workup, and good to excellent isolated yields. These characteristics make this protocol both practical and economically intriguing.