MWCNT/Silica aerogel: Preparation, characterization and applications in heterogeneous catalysis and decolorization of aqueous dye solutions

• Main Authors: Isak Rajjak Shaikh, Uzma K. H. Bangi, Parveen Rajjak Shaikh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Prince of Songkla University 2018-10-01
• Series: Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology (SJST)
• Subjects: MWCNT/Silica aerogel synthesis; ambient pressure drying; heterogeneous catalysis; dye decolorization
• Online Access: https://rdo.psu.ac.th/sjstweb/journal/40-5/26.pdf

2.3 x 10-3 wt% multi-walled carbon nanotube incorporated silica aerogel (MWCNT/Silica aerogel) was synthesized by ambient pressure drying. The as-synthesized MWCNT reinforced silica aerogel was characterized by XRD, SEM, N2-adsorption– desorption, etc. The MWCNT/Silica aerogel catalyzed a multicomponent reaction for synthesizing medicinally important benzylpyrazolyl coumarin derivative. And, in another application, the efficient decolorization of Eriochrome Black T and Methylene Blue from their respective aqueous solutions over MWCNT/Silica aerogel was also investigated using UV spectrophotometer. A comparison has also been made with decolorizing activities of silica gel and activated charcoal.