Copper loaded HPfCNT/TiO2 ternary nanohybrids as green and robust catalysts for dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol under visible light

Copper doped HPfCNT/TiO2 ternary photocatalysts were fabricated via a low cost, facile, sol-gel cum hydrothermal method at low temperature. Herein, we report energy efficient synthesis of cyclohexanone with high selectivity, through the photocatalytic dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol employing the green and robust ternary nanohybrid photocatalyst. The MWCNTs were functionalized employing the mild and green oxidant H2O2 (HPfCNT). The characterization by XPS spectra showed that Cu existed as +1 oxidation state. The monovalent copper species (as Cu2O) accounted for the greater conversion and better selectivity in the copper doped ternary hybrid system. The synergistic effects of copper and HPfCNTs with TiO2 imparted better visible light harvesting properties for the efficient photocatalytic dehydrogenation. It was evidenced from the activity studies and characterization employing UV-Vis DRS, PL spectra, XPS, BET analysis and elemental mapping.