Visible-Light-Responsive Nano CuO/ZnO Photocatalyst for Chan–Lam Coupling Reaction and Aerobic C(sp3)–H Bond Oxidation

Abstract

AbstractWhen it comes to heterogeneous photocatalysts, semiconductors are the best candidate with a high potential to respond in visible-light regions. In this study, semiconductor p-n heterojunction, nano CuO/ZnO, was synthesized via a simple, sustainable, and low-cost approach. Photocatalytic activity of the synthesized material with a 2.02 eV band gap was investigated in the Chan–Lam coupling reaction and C(sp3)–H bond oxidation of alkyl aromatic compounds under visible-light irradiation in aqueous solution. In the case of the Chan–Lam coupling reaction, various derivatives of aniline and arylboronic acid successfully took part in the reaction, delivering the desired products in 57–89% yields. In addition, nano CuO/ZnO photocatalyst showed high efficiency in the C(sp3)–H bond oxidation of alkyl aromatic compounds under air as a green oxidant. Noticeably, the photocatalyst showed high performance in the large-scale synthesis of desired products and maintained activity after several uses.