The Cu/La@TiOx Composite: A Sustainable and Efficient Photocatalyst for N-benzylation Reaction Under Visible Light

In this study, a green and sustainable approach using visible light photocatalysis was employed for synthesizing N-benzyl aniline derivatives to create C─N bonds. A TiO2 photocatalyst doped with copper and lanthanum was prepared to reduce the band gap and increase surface area. TixCuyOz and TixCuyLamOz nano-photocatalysts were designed efficiently for organic reactions. Characterization techniques included TEM, FE-SEM, XRD, EDX, FT-IR, BET, BJH, UV–vis, ICP-MS, CV, PL, and TPC. Using visible light as a renewable source, these photocatalysts showed high activity and recyclability up to five times, with TixCuyLamOz displaying superior performance due to increased lanthanide content. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.