Impact of our Research
Surface hydroxyl-based bifunctional catalysts: As metal hydroxides condense to form metal oxides, there are a range of intermediate compounds called metal oxyhydroxides. These have abundant surface hydroxyl groups on the surface. We showed for the first time that these hydroxyl groups can behave as acidic and basic groups at the same time. There are many organic synthesis, which are carried out in multiple steps. Sometimes, these steps are catalyzed by acidic and sometimes by basic. For an efficient conversion, these steps have to be carried out individually following separation and purification steps, consuming additional solvents, energy, delay, loss of yield and higher cost. Using the metal oxyhydroxides, it is possible to combine such steps in a single plot. Although this work hasn't found any immediate application, it opened doors to many new applications in multifunctional catalysis.
To know more, read our works: D. Vernekar et al Journal of Catalysis (2019), D. Vernekar et al ACS Catalysis, (2021), D. Vernekar et al Catalysis Science and Technology (2015, 2019)
O-vacancy mediated Nitro reductions: We have shown that missing O atoms in metal oxides are very reactive and can be used to carry out organic reactions called nitro reduction. These reactions are normally used to prepare pigments and pharmaceutical products. Importantly, these reactions are normally carried out using expensive Palladium metal. Our discovery makes it possible to carry out the reactions at one hundredth of the cost using copper. This could bring down the cost of medicines!
To know more, read our works: K. Rajendran et al ChemCatChem (2023, 2024), K. Rajendran et al The Journal of Physical Chemistry C (2023), Applied Catalysis B: Environmental (2021).
Available for commercialization: The process of making amino-heterocycles from nitro-heterocycles using non-noble metal catalysts, IIT Palakkad, IN202141037847.