A novel approach for the synthesis of nanostructured Ag3PO4 from phosphate rock: high catalytic and antibacterial activities

Background Silver orthophosphate (Ag3PO4) has received enormous attention over the past few years for its higher visible light photocatalytic performance as well as for various organic pollutants degradation in aqueous media. Therefore, considerable efforts have been made to the synthesis of Ag3PO4 with high catalytic efficiency, long lifetime, and using low-cost inorganic precursors. Results This article describes our efforts to develop a novel approach to synthesize of nanostructured silver phosphate (Ag3PO4) using phosphate rock as alternative and natural source of PO43− precursor ions. The catalytic experimental studies showed that the nanostructured Ag3PO4 exhibited excellent catalytic activity for reduction of p-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH4 at room temperature. Furthermore, the antibacterial studies revealed that the obtained Ag3PO4 possess significant effect against E. Coli and S. Aureus bacteria. Conclusion The obtained results make the nanostructured Ag3PO4 prepared from natural phosphate as a highly promising candidate to be used as efficient catalyst and antibacterial agent. Graphic Abstract

Construction of Inorganic Bulks through Coalescence of Particle Precursors

Bulk inorganic materials play important roles in human society, and their construction is commonly achieved by the coalescence of inorganic nano- or micro-sized particles. Understanding the coalescence process promotes the elimination of particle interfaces, leading to continuous bulk phases with improved functions. In this review, we mainly focus on the coalescence of ceramic and metal materials for bulk construction. The basic knowledge of coalescent mechanism on inorganic materials is briefly introduced. Then, the properties of the inorganic precursors, which determine the coalescent behaviors of inorganic phases, are discussed from the views of particle interface, size, crystallinity, and orientation. The relationships between fundamental discoveries and industrial applications are emphasized. Based upon the understandings, the applications of inorganic bulk materials produced by the coalescence of their particle precursors are further presented. In conclusion, the challenges of particle coalescence for bulk material construction are presented, and the connection between recent fundamental findings and industrial applications is highlighted, aiming to provide an insightful outlook for the future development of functional inorganic materials.

Design of functional composite and all-inorganic nanostructured materials via infiltration of polymer templates with inorganic precursors

Robust and efficient approaches for the synthesis of materials with structure, porosity, and composition controlled at the nanoscale are highly important for a wide range of applications.

Simple Hybrids Based on Mo or W Oxides and Diamines: Structure Determination and Catalytic Properties

Crystalline hybrid catalysts based on molybdenum or tungsten oxide and aliphatic diamines were synthesized via simple, eco-friendly reproducible methodologies, starting from commercially available and relatively inexpensive organic and inorganic precursors, and using water as solvent under mild conditions. The crystal structures of the obtained fine powdered solids were solved ab initio from powder X-ray diffraction data. The type of organic component (1,2-diaminoethane, 1,2-diaminopropane, 1,3-diaminopropane) may play a structure-directing role. On the other hand, different metals (M = Mo, W) may lead to isostructural one-dimensional hybrids of the type MO3(L) with the same bidentate diamine ligand L. The prepared catalysts were investigated for the liquid phase oxidation of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons (cis-cyclooctene, cyclooctane), using different types of oxidants (O2, H2O2, tert-butyl hydroperoxide). Differences in catalytic performances associated with distinct structural features were investigated. Graphic Abstract

Catalytic Hydrogenation of Acetone to Isopropanol on Bimetallic Silver-Gold Nanocatalyst

Silver-gold alloy catalyst for ketones hydrogenation in liquid-phase using NaBH4 as hydrogen source is reported. AgAu alloy nanoparticles are synthesized from common inorganic precursors and mild experimental conditions. To favour the dispersion of the sample in the mixed-aqueous reaction solution a ligand exchange with citric acid was promoted. This citric acid modified AgAu catalyst, thanks to the synergistic effect of Au and Ag, allows for the selective hydrogenation of ketones with to maximum isopropanol yields of 99.7 % within 8 min and shows an excellent reusability after 7 run.