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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• MWCNT/Silica aerogel synthesis
• ambient pressure drying
• heterogeneous catalysis
• dye decolorization