This article published in a very high-ranked journal critically evaluates studies on the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) using different techniques and catalysts with reaction conditions, a wide range of applications and environmental impact. We particularly focus on catalyst advancements for DMC synthesis from transesterification of carbonates/urea, and direct or indirect conversions of CO2. The major problems in various routes such as thermodynamic limitations, low yield and reaction rate, deactivation of catalyst due to hydrolysis and reaction mechanisms have also been discussed.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1538473667
We report on a combined chemical vapor deposition (CVD)/radio frequency (RF) sputtering synthetic strategy for the controlled surface modification of ZnO nanostructures by Ti-containing species. The results obtained by a thorough characterization demonstrate the successful ZnO surface functionalization with dispersed Ti-containing species in low amounts. This phenomenon, in turn, yields a remarkable enhancement of photoactivated superhydrophilic behavior, self-cleaning ability, and photocatalytic performances in comparison to bare ZnO.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1538230211
F-doped MnO2 nanomaterials, with morphology, composition and optical properties tunable as a function of growth temperature were synthesized. Controlled variations of the latter enabled fine tailoring of the systems’ photocatalytic performances in applications encompassing wastewater pollutant degradation and anti-fogging/self-cleaning technologies. The possibility of triggering the target processes by sole Vis light illumination paves the way to the exploitation of solar radiation, a largely available and intrinsically renewable natural resource, in the framework of an improved environmental sustainability.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1537975747
The synergistic or adverse effects of the addition of NaOAc, NaNO3 and Na2SO4 on the performance of cerium(III) acetate as inhibitor of corrosion of aluminium alloy 7075-T6 in 0.1?M NaCl were investigated. The corrosion properties were evaluated using electrochemical polarisation and impedance methods. The composition and morphology of scribed samples during a 1-month immersion test were characterised using morphological and chemical analyses. The influence of additional salts on cerium precipitation was confirmed by acid-base titration. The most efficient long-lasting corrosion inhibition was achieved by synergism between Ce(OAc)3 and Na2SO4 and ascribed to low solubility of the product formed.
COBISS.SI-ID: 31986215
A visible-light-mediated oxidative iodination of electron-rich arenes has been developed. 2.5 mol% of unsubstituted anthraquinone as photocatalyst were used in combination with elementary iodine, trifluoroacetic acid and oxygen as the terminal oxidant. The iodination proceeds upon irradiation in non- or weakly-electron donating solvents (DCM, DCE and benzene) wherein a spectral window in strongly coloured iodine solutions can be observed at around 400 nm. The method provides good to excellent yields (up to 98%) and shows excellent regioselectivity and good functional group tolerance (triple bonds, ketone, ester, amide). Moreover, the photo-iodination was also upscaled to a 5 mmol scale (1.1 g). Mechanistic investigations by intermediate trapping and competition experiments indicate a photocatalytic arene oxidation and the subsequent reaction with iodine as a likely mechanistic pathway.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1538460611