Nano-Web Cobalt Modified Silica Nanoparticles Catalysts for Water Oxidation and MB Oxidative Degradation

Dioxygen generating materials, using water as oxygen source, can be used as catalysts in hypoxic environments. Cobalt(II) modified silica (SiO₂@NPCo) nanoparticles were synthesized through coordination of cobalt(II) ions with nitrogen atoms from 2-acetylpyridine modified silica (SiO₂@NP). The SiO₂@NPCo nanoparticles further reacted with 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acids, forming porous nano-web nanoparticles (SiO₂@NPCoCOOH). The synthesized SiO₂@NPCoCOOH nanoparticles were demonstrated as better white LED light driven photochemical catalysts for oxidation of water than individual nanoparticles (SiO₂@NPCo). Moreover, the SiO₂@NPCoCOOH/water system could decrease the content of methylene blue (MB) in solution and therefore, the nanoweb cobalt(II) modified silica nanoparticles can be environmentally friendly catalysts for oxidative degradation of MB, using water as the oxygen source.