Cu(II) Schiff base complex functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of questiomycin A and photo-Fenton-like rhodamine B degradation

Lychee-like Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (LMSN) were synthesized and functionalized with 3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (3-APTMS) and a novel binuclear Copper complex. The synthesized materials were characterized by UV-DRS, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX) analysis. The High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) analysis gives view on retention of structural order after functionalization. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), low angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) and BET-BJH analyses confirmed the presence of schiff base complex moieties inside the pore architecture. Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) analysis provide evidence for the presence of paramagnetic copper and ICP-OES studies details the metal loading. The potential of synthesized material as an enzyme-mimetic catalyst for the synthesis of questiomycin A and Rhodamine B degradation agent was analysed in this work. The catalyst material served best with good yields and reusability. [Display omitted] •The lychee-like Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (LMSN) was functionalized with a novel binuclear copper complex.•Its potential towards questiomycin A synthesis and rhodamine B degradation were studied.•The synthesized catalyst showed good ability for degradation of dye and for questiomycin A synthesis.