Promoting Effect of Ball Milling on the Functionalization and Catalytic Performance of Carbon Nanotubes in Glycerol Etherification

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Ptaszynska, K (Author) Other; Malaika, A (Author) Other; Eblagon, K.M. (Author) FEUP; Figueiredo, JL (Author) Other; Kozlowski, M (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Molecules

Vol. 29

Final page: 1623

ISSN: 1420-3049

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 1 Citation

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-010-ATA

DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071623

Abstract (EN): A facile and eco-friendly approach using in situ-generated 4-benzenediazonium sulfonate (BDS) was applied to prepare highly functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The effectiveness of this functionalization was additionally enhanced by a green and short-time ball milling process applied beforehand. The obtained BDS-modified CNTs presented significant activity in glycerol etherification, producing tert-butyl glycerol ethers, which are considered promising fuel additives. Excellent results of similar to 56% glycerol conversion and similar to 10% yield of higher-substituted tert-butyl glycerol ethers were obtained within just 1 h of reaction at 120 degree celsius using a low catalyst loading of only 2.5 wt.%. Furthermore, the sulfonated CNTs were reusable over several reaction cycles, with only a minor decrease in activity. Additionally, the sample activity could be restored by a simple regeneration approach. Finally, a clear correlation was found between the content of -SO3H groups on the surface of CNTs and the catalytic performances of these materials in glycerol etherification. Improved interaction between functionalized ball-milled CNTs and the reactants was also suggested to positively affect the activity of these catalysts in the tested process.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 19