Yuzhuo Li 9308282 The objective of this work is to use heterogenous semiconductor systems for photocatalytic organic synthesis. Emphasis is on intermediates useful in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, polymer, and dye industries. Reactor configurations that are energy efficient and cost effective are designed and new semiconductor systems are tested. Specific tasks include applications of photocatalytic reduction (using titania photocatalyst) to aldehydes, azides, nitrites, and nitro compounds; photocatalytic fixation of carbon dioxide into aromatic compounds on semiconductor surfaces; preparation of monodispersed particles with a core of tungsten trioxide coated with ferric oxide and evaluation of their photocatalytic potential in redox reactions; preparation of monodispersed titania coated with conducting polymers and evaluation of their utility in the reduction of nitro compounds; and design of a flow photochemical reactor for high product output and low solvent consumption. In this study, photoinduced (light inititiated) transformations of organic compounds using particulate semiconductors as catalysts are explored. Emphasis is on reduction of organic compounds containing oxygen or nitrogen. This approach requires no expendable reducing agents, which are a major source of toxic-metal waste. In addition to its potential for avoidance of toxic byproducts, this approach may also be useful for destruction of existing toxic wastes.
