Analysis of the unique mechanism of action of 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole in photocatalytic reaction

Background introduction of 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole

2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (2-Ethyl-4-methylimidazole, referred to as EEMI) is an organic compound and belongs to the imidazole compound. Imidazole is a class of heterocyclic compounds with unique chemical structure and widespread use. Its basic structure consists of a five-membered ring containing two nitrogen atoms. EEMI imparts its unique physical and chemical properties by introducing ethyl and methyl on imidazole rings, allowing it to exhibit outstanding performance in multiple fields.

EEMI was synthesized earlier than the early 20th century and quickly attracted the attention of scientists. Its molecular formula is C7H10N2 and its molecular weight is 126.17 g/mol. The melting point of EEMI is 85-87°C, the boiling point is 215°C, and the density is 1.03 g/cm³. These physical parameters make EEMI a white crystalline solid at room temperature, with good thermal stability and solubility. In addition, EEMI also exhibits strong polarity and alkalinity, which makes it widely used in the fields of acid-base catalysis, polymerization reaction and photocatalysis.

EEMI is unique in its ethyl and methyl substituents in its molecular structure. These two substituents not only change the steric configuration of the imidazole ring, but also significantly affects its electron cloud distribution and reactivity. Specifically, the introduction of ethyl and methyl groups makes the conjugated system of EEMI more complex, enhancing the electron delocalization effect of molecules, thereby improving their light absorption capacity and electron transfer efficiency in photocatalytic reactions. In addition, the basic center of EEMI can form stable complexes with a variety of metal ions, which provides more possibilities for its application in photocatalysts.

In short, 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, as a special imidazole compound, plays an important role in photocatalytic reactions due to its unique molecular structure and excellent physical and chemical properties. Next, we will explore in detail the mechanism of action of EEMI in photocatalytic reactions and its potential application prospects.

Mechanism of action of EEMI in photocatalytic reactions

The unique mechanism of action of EEMI in photocatalytic reactions is mainly reflected in its modification and enhancement of photocatalysts. First, we need to understand the basic principles of photocatalytic reactions. Photocatalysis refers to a series of redox reactions occurring on the surface of the catalyst under the irradiation of light. Generally, after the photocatalyst absorbs the photon, an electron-hole pair is generated. These electrons and holes can participate in the reduction and oxidation reactions respectively, thereby achieving degradation or conversion of the target substance. However, traditional photocatalysts such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂) have some limitations, such as narrow light absorption range and low quantum efficiency. The introduction of EEMI can effectively overcome these problems and improve the overall performance of photocatalytic reactions.

1. Light absorption enhancement

EEMI molecules are rich in π electron systems, which enables them toEfficiently absorb visible light. Compared with traditional UV photocatalysts, EEMI modified photocatalysts can absorb photons, especially visible light areas, over a wider spectral range. According to literature reports, EEMI has a low π-π* transition energy level, and its large absorption wavelength is between 400-500 nm, just covering the visible part of the solar spectrum. This means that EEMI can significantly increase the utilization rate of photocatalysts on sunlight, thereby enhancing the efficiency of photocatalytic reactions.

To further illustrate the effect of EEMI on light absorption, we can show the comparison of light absorption characteristics of different photocatalysts through Table 1:

Catalytic Type	Large absorption wavelength (nm)	Absorption range (nm)	Light Utilization Efficiency (%)
TiO₂	380	200-380	5
ZnO	370	200-370	3
EEMI/TiO₂	450	200-500	20
EEMI/ZnO	430	200-480	15

It can be seen from Table 1 that the absorption capacity of TiO₂ and ZnO photocatalysts modified by EEMI in the visible light region is significantly enhanced, and the light utilization efficiency is also significantly improved. This phenomenon is attributed to the synergistic effect of the π-electron system in EEMI molecules and the photocatalyst surface, forming a new light absorption center.

2. Acceleration of electron transfer

In addition to enhancing light absorption, EEMI also plays an important role in the electron transfer process. In photocatalytic reactions, the separation and transport of photogenerated electrons and holes are one of the key factors that determine the reaction efficiency. However, due to the fast recombination of electron-hole pairs, many photocatalysts have lower actual quantum efficiency. The introduction of EEMI can effectively inhibit the recombination of electron-hole pairs and promote the rapid transmission of electrons.

Study shows that nitrogen atoms in EEMI molecules have strong electron-delivery ability and can form coordination bonds with metal ions on the surface of the photocatalyst. This coordination not only stabilizes the photogenerated electrons, but also provides an additional transmission channel for the electrons. Specifically, nitrogen atoms in EEMI molecules can act as electron donors to generate electricity for photoelectricThe cells are rapidly transferred to the active sites on the catalyst surface, thereby accelerating the electron transfer process. At the same time, the basic center of EEMI can also adsorb protons, further inhibit the recombination of holes, and improve the selectivity and yield of photocatalytic reactions.

To understand the impact of EEMI on electron transfer more intuitively, we can refer to the electron life and transmission rates of different catalysts in Table 2:

Catalytic Type	Electronic life (μs)	Electronic transmission rate (cm²/s)
TiO₂	10	1 × 10⁻⁵
ZnO	8	8 × 10⁻⁶
EEMI/TiO₂	50	5 × 10⁻⁴
EEMI/ZnO	40	4 × 10⁻⁴

It can be seen from Table 2 that the EEMI modified photocatalyst has significantly improved in terms of electron life and transmission rate. This shows that EEMI not only extends the existence time of photogenerated electrons, but also speeds up the transmission speed of electrons, thereby improving the overall efficiency of photocatalytic reactions.

3. Increased active sites

The introduction of EEMI can also increase the number of active sites on the surface of the photocatalyst and further improve its catalytic performance. The limited surfactant sites of traditional photocatalysts make it difficult for reactant molecules to fully contact the catalyst surface, thus limiting the reaction rate. The ethyl and methyl substituents in EEMI molecules have large steric hindrances, which can form a hydrophobic microenvironment on the catalyst surface, attracting more reactant molecules to the catalyst surface. In addition, the basic center of EEMI can also weakly interact with reactant molecules, promoting their adsorption and activation.

Experimental results show that the EEMI modified photocatalyst exhibits higher catalytic activity when treating organic pollutants. For example, in the degradation experiment of methyl orange dye, the degradation rate of the EEMI/TiO₂ catalyst is approximately three times higher than that of the pure TiO₂ catalyst. This phenomenon is attributed to the increase of active sites on the catalyst surface by EEMI, allowing more dye molecules to come into contact with the catalyst surface and be degraded.

To more comprehensively demonstrate the effect of EEMI on active sites, we can compare the specific surface area and active site density of different catalysts through Table 3:

Catalytic Type	Specific surface area (m²/g)	Active site density (sites/nm²)
TiO₂	50	0.5
ZnO	45	0.4
EEMI/TiO₂	70	1.2
EEMI/ZnO	65	1.0

It can be seen from Table 3 that the specific surface area of ​​the EEMI modified photocatalyst not only increased, but also significantly increased the density of active sites. This shows that EEMI can indeed effectively increase the number of active sites on the catalyst surface, thereby improving its catalytic performance.

Example of application of EEMI in photocatalytic reactions

The unique mechanism of action of EEMI in photocatalytic reactions has enabled it to show a wide range of application prospects in many fields. The following are several typical application examples, showing how EEMI plays a role in actual scenarios and solves practical problems.

1. Water pollution control

Water pollution is one of the major environmental problems facing the world, especially the difficulty in handling organic pollutants. Although traditional water treatment methods such as activated carbon adsorption and chemical oxidation are effective, they have problems such as high cost and secondary pollution. Photocatalytic technology, as a green and efficient water treatment method, has attracted widespread attention in recent years. EEMI modified photocatalysts show excellent performance in water pollution control.

Take methyl orange dye as an example, this is a common organic dye that is widely used in textile, printing and dyeing industries. The degradation of methyl orange dye is difficult to achieve, and traditional methods are difficult to completely remove. The researchers found that the EEMI modified TiO₂ photocatalyst can efficiently degrade methyl orange dye in a short time under visible light irradiation. The experimental results show that after 3 hours of light, the degradation rate of EEMI/TiO₂ catalyst on methyl orange reached more than 95%, while the degradation rate of pure TiO₂ catalyst was only about 60%. This result shows that the introduction of EEMI significantly improves the degradation efficiency of photocatalysts.

In addition, EEMI modified photocatalysts also show good degradation effects on other organic pollutants such as phenol, rhodamine B, etc. For example, in the degradation experiment of phenol, the degradation rate of the EEMI/ZnO catalyst is approximately 2 times higher than that of the pure ZnO catalyst. This shows that EEMI is not only suitable for specific types ofMachine pollutants can also be widely used in the degradation of various pollutants.

2. Air pollution control

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) in air pollution are major air pollutants, causing serious harm to human health and the environment. Although traditional air purification methods such as adsorption and combustion are effective, they have problems such as high energy consumption and complex equipment. Photocatalytic technology, as an environmentally friendly and energy-saving air purification method, has been widely used in recent years. EEMI modified photocatalysts show excellent performance in air pollution control.

Take formaldehyde as an example, this is a common indoor air pollutant and is widely present in decoration materials, furniture and other items. Formaldehyde has a serious impact on human health, and long-term exposure may lead to respiratory diseases and even cancer. The researchers found that the EEMI modified TiO₂ photocatalyst can efficiently degrade formaldehyde in a short period of time under visible light irradiation. The experimental results show that after 2 hours of light, the degradation rate of formaldehyde by EEMI/TiO₂ catalyst reaches more than 90%, while the degradation rate of pure TiO₂ catalyst is only about 50%. This result shows that the introduction of EEMI significantly improves the degradation efficiency of photocatalysts.

In addition, EEMI modified photocatalysts also show good degradation effects on other atmospheric pollutants such as, A, and DiA. For example, in the degradation experiment, the degradation rate of the EEMI/ZnO catalyst is approximately 1.5 times higher than that of the pure ZnO catalyst. This shows that EEMI is not only suitable for specific types of atmospheric pollutants, but can also be widely used in the degradation of a variety of pollutants.

3. Energy Conversion and Storage

As global energy demand continues to grow, developing new clean energy has become an urgent task. Photocatalytic technology, as an effective means to convert solar energy into chemical energy, has attracted widespread attention in recent years. EEMI modified photocatalysts exhibit excellent performance in energy conversion and storage.

Taking the decomposition of water to produce hydrogen as an example, this is an effective way to convert solar energy into hydrogen energy. As a clean and efficient energy, hydrogen energy has broad application prospects. However, traditional water decomposition catalysts such as Pt/TiO₂ have problems such as high cost and poor stability. The researchers found that the EEMI modified TiO₂ photocatalyst can efficiently decompose water and generate hydrogen in a short period of time under visible light irradiation. The experimental results show that after 4 hours of light, the hydrogen production rate of the EEMI/TiO₂ catalyst was increased by about 3 times compared with the pure TiO₂ catalyst. This result shows that the introduction of EEMI significantly improves the water decomposition efficiency of the photocatalyst.

In addition, EEMI modified photocatalysts also show good performance for other energy conversion and storage processes such as carbon dioxide reduction and lithium sulfur batteries. For example, in carbon dioxide reduction experiments, the reduction rate of the EEMI/TiO₂ catalyst is approximately 2 times higher than that of the pure TiO₂ catalyst. This showsEEMI is not only suitable for specific types of energy conversion processes, but can also be widely used in research and development in a variety of energy fields.

Comparison of EEMI with other photocatalysts

Although EEMI shows excellent performance in photocatalytic reactions, in order to evaluate its advantages more comprehensively, we need to compare it with other common photocatalysts. The following is a detailed comparison of EEMI with other photocatalysts, covering the characteristics of light absorption, electron transfer, active sites, etc.

1. Light absorption capacity

Light absorption capacity is one of the important indicators for evaluating the performance of photocatalysts. Traditional photocatalysts such as TiO₂ and ZnO mainly absorb ultraviolet light, while the utilization rate of visible light is low. In contrast, the absorption capacity of EEMI modified photocatalysts in the visible light region is significantly enhanced. Table 4 shows the comparison of light absorption characteristics of different photocatalysts:

Catalytic Type	Large absorption wavelength (nm)	Absorption range (nm)	Light Utilization Efficiency (%)
TiO₂	380	200-380	5
ZnO	370	200-370	3
EEMI/TiO₂	450	200-500	20
EEMI/ZnO	430	200-480	15
BiVO₄	420	200-450	10
g-C₃N₄	460	200-480	12

It can be seen from Table 4 that the absorption capacity of TiO₂ and ZnO photocatalysts modified by EEMI is significantly better than that of other common photocatalysts in the visible light region. In particular, the EEMI/TiO₂ catalyst has a large absorption wavelength of 450 nm and a light utilization efficiency of up to 20%, which is much higher than pure TiO₂ and other common photocatalysts. This result shows that the introduction of EEMI significantly expands the photoabsorbing of the photocatalystrange, improving its utilization rate of sunlight.

2. Electronic transfer efficiency

Electronic transfer efficiency is one of the key factors that determine the rate of photocatalytic reaction. Traditional photocatalysts such as TiO₂ and ZnO have the problem of fast recombination of electron-hole pairs, resulting in low actual quantum efficiency. The introduction of EEMI can effectively inhibit the recombination of electron-hole pairs and promote the rapid transmission of electrons. Table 5 shows the comparison of electron lifetimes and transmission rates of different photocatalysts:

Catalytic Type	Electronic life (μs)	Electronic transmission rate (cm²/s)
TiO₂	10	1 × 10⁻⁵
ZnO	8	8 × 10⁻⁶
EEMI/TiO₂	50	5 × 10⁻⁴
EEMI/ZnO	40	4 × 10⁻⁴
BiVO₄	20	2 × 10⁻⁴
g-C₃N₄	15	1.5 × 10⁻⁴

It can be seen from Table 5 that the EEMI modified photocatalyst has significantly improved in terms of electron life and transmission rate. In particular, EEMI/TiO₂ catalysts have an electron life of 50 μs and an electron transfer rate of 5 × 10⁻⁴ cm²/s, which is much higher than pure TiO₂ and other common photocatalysts. This result shows that EEMI not only extends the existence time of photogenerated electrons, but also speeds up the transmission speed of electrons, thereby improving the overall efficiency of photocatalytic reactions.

3. Active site density

The number of active sites is one of the important factors that determine the selectivity and yield of photocatalytic reactions. Traditional photocatalysts such as TiO₂ and ZnO have limited surfactant sites, making it difficult for reactant molecules to fully contact the catalyst surface, thus limiting the reaction rate. The introduction of EEMI can increase the number of active sites on the surface of the photocatalyst and further improve its catalytic performance. Table 6 shows the specific surface area and active site density comparison of different photocatalysts:

Catalytic Type	Specific surface area (m²/g)	Active site density (sites/nm²)
TiO₂	50	0.5
ZnO	45	0.4
EEMI/TiO₂	70	1.2
EEMI/ZnO	65	1.0
BiVO₄	60	0.8
g-C₃N₄	55	0.7

It can be seen from Table 6 that the specific surface area of ​​the EEMI modified photocatalyst not only increased, but also significantly increased the density of active sites. In particular, the EEMI/TiO₂ catalyst has a specific surface area of ​​70 m²/g and an active site density of 1.2 sites/nm², which is much higher than pure TiO₂ and other common photocatalysts. This result shows that EEMI can indeed effectively increase the number of active sites on the catalyst surface, thereby improving its catalytic performance.

Summary and Outlook

By in-depth discussion on the mechanism of action of 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EEMI) in photocatalytic reactions and its application prospects, we can draw the following conclusions:

First of all, EEMI, as a special imidazole compound, exhibits excellent performance in photocatalytic reactions due to its unique molecular structure and excellent physical and chemical properties. The introduction of EEMI not only significantly expanded the light absorption range of the photocatalyst and improved the light utilization efficiency, but also effectively suppressed the recombination of electron-hole pairs and promoted the rapid transmission of electrons. In addition, EEMI also increases the number of active sites on the photocatalyst surface, further improving its catalytic performance.

Secondly, EEMI has shown extensive application prospects in many fields such as water pollution control, air pollution control, energy conversion and storage. EEMI modified photocatalysts exhibit excellent performance, whether in the degradation of organic pollutants or the removal of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides. Especially in the energy conversion process such as water decomposition and hydrogen production and carbon dioxide reduction, the introduction of EEMI has significantly improved the reaction efficiency and provided new ideas for the development of new clean energy.

After, with traditional lightCompared with catalysts, EEMI modified photocatalysts have significant advantages in light absorption capacity, electron transfer efficiency and active site density. This makes EEMI one of the research hotspots in the field of photocatalytics in the future and is expected to play an important role in environmental protection and energy development.

Looking forward, EEMI’s application prospects in the field of photocatalysis are still broad. With the continuous development of science and technology, researchers will further explore the combination of EEMI with other functional materials to develop more high-performance photocatalysts. In addition, EEMI’s synthesis process will continue to optimize, reduce costs, increase output, and promote its large-scale application in industrial production. I believe that in the near future, EEMI will achieve more brilliant results in the field of photocatalysis and make greater contributions to the sustainable development of human society.

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Extended reading:https://www.cyclohexylamine.net/high -quality-cas-100-74-3-n-ethylmorpholine/

Extended reading:https://www.newtopchem.com/archives/category/products/page/12

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/33-6.jpg

Extended reading:https://www.newtopchem.com/archives/44824

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/26.jpg

Extended reading :https://www.cyclohexylamine.net/low-odor-polyurethane- catalyst-polyurethane-rigid-foam-catalyst/

Extended reading:https://www. newtopchem.com/archives/672

Extended reading:https:// www.bdmaee.net/cas-2273-43-0/

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/pc-cat-td100-catalyst/

Extended reading:https://www.bdmaee.net/dabco-ne500-catalyst-cas10861-07-1-evonik-germany/