Scientists at the Physicochemical Problems Laboratory have developed a new material by combining porphyrins and nanostructured aluminum oxyhydroxide. This new material has potential for use in catalytic processes.
A complex method was developed to create this material. This involved the synthesis of a molecule containing functional, solubilizing and stabilizing groups that allowed porphyrin molecules to be anchored to the surface of the oxide material. This distribution of porphyrin on the surface makes it more accessible for reactions and catalysis.
The choice of aluminum oxyhydroxide as the matrix was due to its unique structure. This is a material with a fibrous structure and low density. After processing, its mechanical strength increased, which made it possible to create a macroscopic object. Such materials can be used for reactors.
Porphyrins are already known as photocatalysts for oxidation reactions, but they are often expensive to use and difficult to reproduce. The new material allows porphyrin to be used more efficiently in catalysis and facilitates its recovery; This can reduce the costs and environmental footprint of production.
Source: Ferra

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