Energy‐Efficient 2‐Ethylhexyl Acetate Synthesis with a Nano‐Sn‐Hydroxyapatite Photocatalyst

A nano‐tin oxide grafted natural‐hydroxyapatite photocatalyst was fabricated using a greener approach involving sequential application of solar‐type and ultrasound‐wave energy (STUWE). The protocol provided 76 % higher surface area, 59 % more surface acidity, and 15 % reduced band gap energy than conventionally prepared photocatalysts (CPPCs). The efficacy of the STUWE‐promoted photocatalyst (STUWEPC) was optimized for maximization of 2‐ethylhexyl acetate yield (97 %) employing an energy‐efficient solar‐type/ultrasound synergistic batch reactor. A considerably lower activation energy, estimated by Langmuir‐Hinshelwood kinetics, and higher reusability characteristics (upto 8 recycles) of the STUWEPC than CPPC highlights the superiority of the STUWE procedure. A cost‐effective technology for preparing a highly efficient, green, visible‐range nanophotocatalyst within a much shorter time compared to the conventional procedure is proposed. The application of sequential solar‐type and ultrasound wave energy allowed for developing a catalyst with superior surface area and uniform dispersion of nano‐SnO2 particles on a low‐cost support surface within only 1 h.