University Chemistry ›› 2023, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (5): 220-226.doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202207082

• Chemistry Laboratory • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Catalytic Reduction of Nitro and Azo Compounds over N-doped Holey Graphene: Designing and Practice of Comprehensive Experiment in Chemistry Related Disciplines

Jiangbo Xi, Qi Sun, Gang Wang, Wei Chen()   

  • Received:2022-07-18 Accepted:2022-09-22 Published:2022-10-10
  • Contact: Wei Chen E-mail:wchen@wit.edu.cn

Abstract:

An experiment was designed for the catalytic reduction of nitro and azo compounds, which are typical contaminants found in wastewater, using carbocatalysts. N-doped holey graphene (NHG) or N-doped graphene (NG) carbocatalysts are synthesized via a hydrothermal approach using graphene oxide as a starting material. The morphology and composition of the resulting carbocatalysts are characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and N2adsorption/desorption analysis. The catalytic efficiency of NHG or NG is evaluated via the reduction of nitro and azo compounds in wastewater in the presence of NaBH4. The experiment teaches basic theory regarding the preparation and characterization of carbocatalysts and treatment of wastewater through catalytic reduction, and covers concepts in the fields of physical chemistry, materials chemistry, and environmental chemistry. This comprehensive experiment cultivates scientific thinking, improves research skills, and teaches practical problem-solving using chemistry knowledge.

Key words: N-doped holey graphene, Metal-free catalysis, Nitro and azo compounds, Reduction reaction, Comprehensive experiment